Strike Launches Send Globally to Revolutionize Cross-Border Payments in the Philippines

Bullet Points:

• Strike has launched its “Send Globally” product to the Philippines, enabling fast, secure, and low-cost money transfers between the US and the Philippines.
• The Philippines is one of the world’s largest remittance markets, receiving more than $35 billion annually in money sent from abroad, including more than $12 billion from the US.
• Strike uses the Lightning Network to make digital payments faster, cheaper, and more accessible for people globally.

Strike, a world-leading digital payments platform built on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, recently announced the expansion of its “Send Globally” product to the Philippines. This expansion will revolutionize traditional cross-border payment services and give people in the Philippines access to fast, secure, and low-cost money transfers from the United States.

The Philippines is one of the world’s largest remittance markets, receiving more than $35 billion in money sent from abroad each year, including more than $12 billion from the United States. This money is essential to the people and economy of the Philippines, and Strike is excited to partner with Pouch.ph to make cross-border payments more inclusive and accessible.

Send Globally allows US dollar transfers to be received as Philippine pesos in a recipient’s bank or mobile money account in the Philippines. This money is converted into bitcoin and sent via the Lightning Network, making the process incredibly fast and secure. The Lightning Network is also incredibly cost-effective, allowing for more affordable transfers between countries.

“Remittances are a broken system and Strike delivers an incredibly empowering experience for people to send money around the world in nearly an instant,” said Jack Mallers, Founder and CEO of Strike. “We’re excited to partner with Pouch.ph to advance financial inclusion and bring fast, low-cost cross-border payments via the Lightning Network to the Philippines. Our technology allows us to both improve on the existing cross-border experience and include those that have previously been excluded by legacy payment rails.”

Strike’s mission is to make digital payments faster, cheaper, and more accessible for people globally, particularly in countries with a high number of unbanked individuals. Their expansion to the Philippines is an important step in their mission to improve cross-border payments and increase financial inclusion.

Cameron Winklevoss Threatens to Sue Genesis Over $900M Owed to Earn Customers

• Cameron Winklevoss, the co-founder and CEO of the Gemini trading platform, has threatened to sue Genesis Global and its parent company, the Digital Currency Group.
• This move follows the bankruptcy filing lodged by Genesis involving two of its other subsidiaries.
• Cameron has been very vocal on social media about the complacency of Genesis and the Digital Currency Group with regard to settling Gemini Earn customers, who are owed $900 million.

Cameron Winklevoss, the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Gemini trading platform, has taken to social media to express his outrage at the Digital Currency Group (DCG) and its subsidiary, Genesis Global. This move follows the bankruptcy filing lodged by Genesis involving two of its other subsidiaries, which has left customers of the firm’s Gemini Earn program without access to their funds.

Cameron has been very vocal on social media about the complacency of Genesis and the Digital Currency Group, owned by Barry Silbert, with regard to settling Gemini Earn customers. On more than one occasion, Cameron, who co-owns the Gemini exchange with his twin, Tyler Winklevoss, has claimed Silbert and Genesis are using stall tactics to avoid paying the $900 million owed to its Earn customers.

In response, Cameron has threatened to sue Genesis Global and its parent company, the DCG. In a tweet, Cameron said this move will afford the firm to recoup its funds as the Barry Silbert-led DCG has continued to refuse to offer its creditors a fair deal.

The Gemini Earn program pays out a reward to users who subscribe to the product. Unfortunately, the Earn customers could not gain access to their funds as Genesis closed the program without warning. This has left customers in a difficult situation, unable to access their funds.

Cameron has been very vocal about the issue, calling for the DCG and Genesis to take responsibility for their actions. He has also gone on to share his thoughts on the matter on various social media platforms, calling on the government to take action if the DCG continues to be complacent in settling its customers.

The bankruptcy filing has left many customers feeling frustrated and angry, as they have yet to receive any compensation for their losses. While the DCG has yet to comment on the situation, Cameron has made it clear that he will not stand by and watch as innocent customers are taken advantage of. He has vowed to take whatever legal action is necessary to ensure that justice is served.

South Korean Crypto Exchange Bithumb Under Tax Investigation

• South Korean tax authorities are investigating local crypto exchange operator Bithumb Holdings.
• The investigation will be conducted by a unit dedicated to “special tax investigations.”
• This is not the first time Bithumb has been at the center of such an investigation.

South Korean tax authorities have launched an investigation into local crypto exchange operator Bithumb Holdings. The investigation, which is being conducted by a unit dedicated to “special tax investigations,” is focused on possible tax evasion via domestic and international transactions of Bithumb Korea, Bithumb Holdings, and affiliates in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

A company official confirmed the news to CoinDesk Korea but could not share details. This is not the first time Bithumb has been at the center of such an investigation. In 2018, the National Tax Service conducted a special tax investigation on Bithumb Korea and collected 80 billion won in income tax. It was determined in that investigation that Bithumb was not guilty of tax evasion.

Authorities have questioned businessman Kang Chang-won, who is the largest shareholder of Bithumb Holdings, about the investigation. It is reported that authorities are checking whether the company has declared its foreign assets properly and whether it has conducted transactions with overseas accounts. There is also speculation that the investigation may be related to the current management of Bithumb, as the company is under new ownership.

The investigation is also likely to put increased pressure on other crypto exchanges in the country. South Korea has been tightening up its regulations on the crypto industry in recent years, and the investigation could be seen as part of the government’s effort to ensure compliance. It remains to be seen how the investigation will affect the crypto industry in South Korea.

Morocco Ready to Launch Crypto Regulatory Bill with IMF, World Bank Support

• Morocco is preparing to release a crypto regulatory bill in the near future.
• This bill was worked on in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
• Discussions with the Moroccan Capital Markets Authority (AMMC) and the Insurance Supervisory Authority and Social Security (ACAPS) are ongoing.

The Governor of Moroccan Central Bank, Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), Abdellatif Jouahiri, recently announced that the country is on the brink of releasing its crypto regulatory bill. This bill is the product of collaboration between BAM, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.

The Governor noted that the project was “ready”, and that the different chapters of the bill had been completed. He added, though, that the bill was still being discussed with different stakeholders, which was an important step in allowing everyone to adhere to the project.

To map out the details of the bill and ensure its success, BAM is currently in talks with Morocco’s capital market and insurance watchdogs. These watchdogs include the Moroccan Capital Markets Authority (AMMC) and the Insurance Supervisory Authority and Social Security (ACAPS). Both of these organisations have a significant influence on the financial sector in Morocco, so their input is crucial to the success of this project.

For many in Morocco, the introduction of this bill is a huge step towards the adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. This could help to modernize the financial infrastructure of the country, as well as create more opportunities for businesses and individuals.

It remains to be seen when exactly the bill will be released, but the Governor’s optimistic outlook suggests that the wait won’t be too long. Regardless, the bill promises to be a major milestone for the country’s financial sector, and could open the door to further advancements in the space.

Treasury Yields On The Rise as Investors Look Ahead to 2023

• US Treasury yields rose on Friday, December 30th, as investors look ahead to the potential developments and headwinds of 2023.
• The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield was up nearly 2 basis points to 3.8520%, while the 2-year Treasury yield climbed more than 3 basis points to 4.4009%.
• Analysts and observers are paying attention to the Federal Reserve’s moves regarding inflation policies, as talks of a looming recession continue to weigh heavy on investor sentiment.

Investors are keeping a close eye on the US Treasury yields as the year draws to a close and the potential developments of 2023 come into focus. On Friday, December 30th, the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield rose by 2 basis points to 3.8520%, while the 2-year Treasury yield increased by 3 basis points to 4.4009%. The Treasury yields have been on the rise as investors anticipate what the new year will bring.

The rise in yields can be attributed to the current state of the economy and the uncertainty surrounding the future. With 2020 coming to a close, there is a lot of talk about a looming recession and investors are anxious to see how the markets will be affected. Analysts are also monitoring the Federal Reserve’s policies on inflation and how it will affect the economy. The central bank increased interest rates by 75 basis points four consecutive times this year, but recent economic data has shown that inflation remains low.

In addition, investors are hoping that the upcoming year will bring better economic conditions and more stability to the markets. Analysts are also watching for any potential headwinds that could affect the markets, such as geopolitical tensions and trade wars. With the rise in Treasury yields, investors are expecting to see more positive returns in 2023.

Overall, the rise in Treasury yields is a sign that investors are optimistic about the markets in the coming year and are anticipating better conditions. While there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the economy, investors are hopeful that the new year will bring more stability and growth to the markets.

MicroStrategy Stock Plummets Following BTC Sale, Investors Wary

Bullet Points:
• MicroStrategy shares fell to their lowest level since August 2020 following the company’s first-ever Bitcoin sale.
• The cloud-based business intelligence company disclosed that it sold 704 BTC on December 22nd for $11.8 million, in addition to re-purchasing 810 more two days later.
• Miller Tabak + Co chief market strategist Matt Maley weighed in on the MicroStrategy BTC development, noting that the company’s reputation as a devoted token buyer amid crypto winter is worrisome to investors.

MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ: MSTR) recently experienced a shocking drop in their stock price, reaching a low of $136.63, which is a 75% decrease from their year-to-date peak. This devastating fall was caused by their recent filing disclosing the company’s first-ever Bitcoin sale. On December 22nd, the company sold 704 BTC for $11.8 million, in addition to re-purchasing 810 more two days later. Altogether, the cloud computing company said it bought roughly 2,395 Bitcoin between November and December 21st, costing approximately $42.8 million in cash.

The news of their Bitcoin sale and acquisition has left investors concerned. Miller Tabak + Co chief market strategist Matt Maley weighed in on the MicroStrategy BTC development, noting that the company’s reputation as a devoted token buyer amid crypto winter is worrisome to investors. The MicroStrategy BTC sale has caused a significant amount of fear in the stock market, leading to the significant stock drop.

Despite the decrease in stock prices, MicroStrategy still remains one of the biggest public investors in Bitcoin. The company has made it clear that they are committed to expanding their investments in the cryptocurrency, as it remains a viable store of value that can be used to hedge against inflation.

It remains to be seen whether the company will be able to recover from its recent stock drop. While the company’s Bitcoin investments may have been met with apprehension from investors, it is possible that the decision will prove to be beneficial in the long run. For now, investors will need to wait and see how the market responds to MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin investments.

EU FP7 ADVENTURE

ADaptive Virtual ENTerprise ManufacTURing Environment (Adventure). The goal of this project is the creation of a framework that provides the tools to combine factories in a pluggable way to manufacture a particular product