Author: Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf

The cryptocurrency market has matured dramatically in 2024, according to a new report from Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) and blockchain analytics firm Glassnode. This surge in crypto market maturity comes as billions of dollars flow into spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and blockchain network activity spikes, signaling a pivotal shift for digital assets.

Crypto Market Maturity Accelerates

In its October 15th report, Coinbase’s head of institutional research, David Duong, and Glassnode’s analytics team emphasized the profound changes in the crypto landscape over the past year. The introduction of crypto market maturity has led to deeper liquidity, greater accessibility, and a more sophisticated trading environment.

From the runaway success of spot ETFs to the rapid increase in on-chain transactions, the report highlights how these factors are shaping a more stable and expansive market. According to the report, “Markets have grown deeper, more liquid, more sophisticated, and more accessible.”

The Rise of Spot Crypto ETFs

One of the most significant drivers of crypto market maturity in 2024 has been the launch of spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs. These ETFs were listed in the United States in January 2024, drawing in approximately $5 billion during the third quarter alone. This influx of institutional capital has provided much-needed stability to the market, which had historically been known for its volatility.

Stablecoins have also seen a remarkable surge in demand, further contributing to market maturity. During the third quarter of 2024, the total market capitalization of stablecoins hit an all-time high of $160 billion, according to Glassnode data. Stablecoins, particularly those pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar, have become essential tools for traders and investors seeking lower-risk assets within the crypto space.

Ethereum’s Layer-2 Growth and Market Resilience

Ethereum (ETH), another key player in the crypto space, has also experienced significant advancements, particularly with the proliferation of layer-2 scaling solutions. These scaling networks, such as Coinbase’s own Base, have driven up daily active Ethereum addresses and boosted transaction volumes by five times compared to early 2023.

While Bitcoin ETFs have dominated the spotlight, Ethereum is also making strides. According to the Coinbase and Glassnode report, “Ethereum’s ecosystem is rapidly growing, led by the strength of innovative layer-2s.” The rise of these scaling solutions has bolstered Ethereum’s competitiveness, even though the price of ETH has lagged behind Bitcoin.

Ethereum’s fee structure has also shown signs of resilience. After hitting a low of just 9% of fee-earning layer-1 blockchains in August, ETH rebounded to control 40% of the market by late September. This resurgence in fee share demonstrates Ethereum’s growing prominence in decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts.

Reduced Volatility in 2024

Another sign of crypto market maturity is the decrease in volatility. In 2024, the three-month spot price volatility of Bitcoin dropped below 60%, significantly lower than its 2021 peak of nearly 130%. This drop in volatility is largely attributed to the market’s shift toward higher-quality assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as the growing influence of institutional investors entering the space through ETFs.

According to the Coinbase report, the reduction in volatility has made the market more attractive to traditional investors, who had previously been deterred by crypto’s wild price swings. With the stabilization of major assets, the crypto market is evolving into a more reliable investment option for long-term growth.

The Role of Stablecoins in Market Growth

Stablecoins have been instrumental in fueling the crypto market maturity seen this year. The increasing use cases for stablecoins—ranging from decentralized finance (DeFi) applications to remittances—have expanded their market share, making them a crucial component of the broader crypto economy.

The Glassnode report also noted that stablecoins and Bitcoin consumed a larger portion of the total crypto market capitalization in 2024, as investors sought safer, more liquid assets during times of economic uncertainty. With stablecoins like USDC and Tether (USDT) reaching all-time highs in market cap, they are expected to continue playing a pivotal role in the market’s ongoing expansion.

A Bright Future for Crypto in 2025

As 2024 comes to a close, the crypto market maturity witnessed throughout the year sets the stage for continued growth in 2025. Coinbase’s report highlights the ongoing development of layer-2 solutions for Ethereum, the rising popularity of stablecoins, and the growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin through ETFs as major catalysts for future expansion.

Looking ahead, research firm Canalys expects these trends to help maintain momentum in the crypto market into the first half of 2025. With spot ETFs offering a gateway for traditional investors and blockchain networks becoming more efficient, the future of the crypto market looks brighter than ever.

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken significant steps to combat crypto market manipulation, an issue that has plagued the digital asset space for years. In a recent wave of enforcement actions, the SEC filed civil fraud charges against nine individuals and three companies accused of using market manipulation schemes to artificially inflate the value and trading volume of various cryptoassets. These cases highlight the ongoing challenges of regulating a nascent industry prone to exploitation

Crypto Market Manipulation: A Growing Concern

Crypto market manipulation has become a central concern for regulators as the digital asset market continues to evolve. The focus keyword, “crypto market manipulation,” has surfaced in numerous discussions as authorities attempt to curb illegal trading practices that deceive retail investors. The SEC’s charges are centered on fraudulent tactics that created the illusion of a thriving market, leading to substantial financial losses for unsuspecting investors.

One notable method used in these schemes is “wash trading,” a practice where traders simultaneously buy and sell the same cryptoasset to generate fake trading volume. By creating the appearance of liquidity and demand, fraudsters can manipulate prices, making the asset more attractive to potential investors. Wash trading has been illegal in traditional financial markets for decades, and U.S. regulators are now applying these standards to cryptocurrency as well.

SEC Targets Crypto Manipulation-as-a-Service

According to the SEC, two companies—ZM Quant and Gotbit—offered “market-manipulation-as-a-service.” These firms provided services to artificially inflate the trading volumes or manipulate the prices of certain cryptoassets, all while duping retail investors. By fostering an illusion of activity, they drove up interest and investment in assets that otherwise had little to no value.

One of the cryptoassets targeted by these manipulators was actually created by the FBI as part of an investigation into fraudulent activity within the crypto market. The asset’s creation allowed authorities to track illegal transactions and gather evidence against those involved in the manipulation schemes. This operation marks the first of its kind and signals that regulators are becoming more sophisticated in their approach to cracking down on crypto market manipulation.

Criminal Charges in Parallel Cases

In addition to the SEC’s civil charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts filed parallel criminal charges. Several individuals were accused of market manipulation and wash trading in the crypto sector. Four defendants, including a Canadian resident, have pleaded guilty, and three others have been arrested in Texas, the U.K., and Portugal.

More than $25 million in cryptocurrency has been seized during the investigation, and multiple trading bots responsible for millions of dollars in wash trades across 60 different cryptocurrencies have been deactivated. This operation has significantly disrupted the infrastructure of these manipulation schemes, marking a critical victory for U.S. authorities in their effort to regulate the crypto market.

Implications for the Crypto Industry

The SEC’s actions reflect the growing concern over crypto market manipulation and its potential to harm investors. While the technology behind cryptocurrency is innovative, it has also opened the door to age-old financial scams like pump-and-dump schemes, where promoters artificially drive up the price of an asset before selling off their holdings, leaving investors with significant losses.

“We remain concerned about the ease with which the market for a cryptoasset can be manipulated and are committed to rooting out instances of such misconduct when it involves securities,” said Jorge Tenreiro, acting chief of the SEC enforcement division’s cryptoasset and cyber unit.

The allegations have not been proven, but three individuals have agreed to settlements with the SEC, subject to court approval. These settlements include conduct-based injunctions to prevent further violations of securities laws. The court will later determine financial penalties and disgorgement in these cases.

The Road Ahead for Crypto Regulation

As the crypto market grows, so does the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to protect investors from fraud. The SEC and other U.S. authorities have made it clear that they will not tolerate market manipulation in any form, whether in traditional securities or digital assets.

This crackdown on crypto market manipulation represents a turning point in the ongoing effort to regulate the industry. Investors can expect increased scrutiny on crypto exchanges, token issuers, and other market participants as regulators work to ensure transparency and fairness in the market.

The SEC’s focus on crypto market manipulation signals a new chapter in cryptocurrency regulation, one where enforcement actions and technological innovations work hand in hand to safeguard investors and uphold the integrity of the financial system.

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Samsung Pay has expanded its crypto payments capabilities by partnering with Alchemy Pay, allowing users to transact with cryptocurrency at millions of merchants globally. This new partnership enables over 500,000 users of Alchemy Pay’s virtual cards to link their cards with Samsung Pay for seamless crypto payments both online and in-store. With Samsung Pay available in 24 countries across regions like Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America, this integration broadens access to crypto payments for a growing number of users worldwide.

A Major Step for Crypto Payments

The collaboration between Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay marks a significant development in the growing adoption of crypto payments. Samsung Pay users can now leverage their digital assets for everyday transactions, from purchasing items online to shopping at physical stores. According to Alchemy Pay’s announcement on October 7, this integration is designed to be user-friendly, enabling cardholders to link their virtual cards to Samsung Pay by following a few simple steps within the app.

This partnership represents Samsung Pay’s second venture into the crypto space. The company first made waves in May 2020 when it collaborated with Swipe to enable the use of Visa Debit cards for crypto payments. With the addition of Alchemy Pay, Samsung Pay is strengthening its presence in the cryptocurrency payment sector, bringing digital currencies closer to mainstream adoption.

Alchemy Pay’s Expanding Ecosystem

While this integration with Samsung Pay is a notable advancement, Alchemy Pay has been making strides of its own. Earlier this year, the crypto payment processor expanded its reach by incorporating Google Pay into its virtual card service. It also integrated Apple Pay support for fiat-to-crypto purchases in January 2023. These moves are part of Alchemy Pay’s ongoing strategy to bridge the gap between cryptocurrency and traditional payment platforms, offering users more flexibility in how they manage and spend their digital assets.

With Samsung Pay now on board, Alchemy Pay’s virtual cardholders can use their crypto for payments across millions of global merchants, including popular platforms like Amazon, Netflix, eBay, and Apple Store. As Alchemy Pay continues to innovate and expand its services, it is becoming a crucial player in the drive to make crypto payments more accessible to everyday consumers.

The Growing Demand for Crypto Payments

Recent data highlights the increasing interest in using cryptocurrency for payments. According to an EY-Parthenon survey, 29% of crypto retail investors now use digital assets for payments, a 6% increase from 2022. The most popular use cases include online shopping, with 57% of respondents using crypto for e-commerce transactions, and paying friends and family, which 49% of respondents cited.

Interestingly, accredited investors show a greater appetite for crypto payments compared to non-accredited investors. Between August 2023 and July 2024, 69% of accredited investors used digital assets for payments, while only 28% of non-accredited investors did so. These figures demonstrate that while crypto payments are gaining traction, there is still significant room for growth, especially among non-accredited investors.

What’s Next for Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay?

As Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay deepen their partnership, both companies have ambitious plans for the future. Alchemy Pay is working to integrate additional digital payment platforms and expand compatibility with major card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. These developments will further streamline the process for users to make crypto payments with their virtual cards, making digital assets more versatile and practical for everyday use.

Looking ahead, this partnership positions Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay at the forefront of the crypto payments revolution, creating more opportunities for users to engage with cryptocurrency in their daily lives. With both companies actively expanding their services, the adoption of cryptocurrency for retail and online payments is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

Conclusion

The partnership between Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay is a pivotal moment in the evolution of crypto payments, making it easier for consumers to use digital assets for a wide range of transactions. As more companies integrate cryptocurrency into their payment systems, the future of payments is becoming increasingly digital, bringing cryptocurrencies closer to mainstream adoption. For users looking to seamlessly incorporate their crypto holdings into everyday purchases, the collaboration between Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay is a step in the right direction.

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FTX, once a major player in the cryptocurrency exchange industry, has received court approval for a bankruptcy plan that aims to repay customers using up to $16.5 billion in recovered assets. This development comes after FTX’s dramatic collapse in 2022, which followed revelations that its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, had misappropriated customer funds. The FTX bankruptcy repayment plan is seen as a victory for creditors and customers who are eager to recover their losses.

Details of the Repayment Plan

The approved plan is structured around settlements with FTX customers, U.S. government agencies, and liquidators overseeing FTX’s operations outside the U.S. One of the key features of the plan is that customers who held $50,000 or less on the exchange will be repaid in full within 60 days of the plan’s effective date. In total, FTX expects to repay 98% of its customers.

FTX estimates that it will have between $14.7 billion and $16.5 billion available to repay creditors, enough to cover at least 118% of the value in customer accounts as of November 2022, when the company filed for bankruptcy. The company has recovered cash and crypto assets through settlements, asset sales, and an extensive process of rebuilding its financial records.

U.S. Government Agencies Agree to Prioritize Customers

In a significant move, U.S. government agencies like the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Internal Revenue Service have agreed to let FTX prioritize customer repayment over other claims, such as fines or tax debts. This agreement ensures that customers receive the bulk of FTX’s remaining assets, rather than seeing their funds go toward penalties or legal settlements.

This decision was made possible by FTX’s ability to recover substantial amounts of money through the sale of various assets, including investments in technology companies like Anthropic, a prominent artificial intelligence startup. These sales contributed to the billions of dollars FTX has recovered since its collapse.

Customer Reactions: A Mixed Bag

While the FTX bankruptcy repayment plan has been met with relief by some, not all customers are satisfied. The plan calculates repayment based on the value of assets at the time of the bankruptcy filing in November 2022, which has caused frustration among customers. For example, the price of Bitcoin has risen from $16,000 in 2022 to over $63,000 in 2024, leading some to feel that their repayments do not reflect current cryptocurrency values.

David Adler, a lawyer representing a group of objecting creditors, pointed out that many customers are disappointed that they won’t benefit from the rebound in crypto prices since FTX’s collapse. Customers are expected to receive a percentage of their original deposits in fiat currency or assets, rather than the actual cryptocurrency they originally held.

FTX has defended its plan, stating that repurchasing billions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrencies would be “exorbitantly expensive.” Moreover, FTX’s financial adviser, Steve Coverick, testified that when FTX filed for bankruptcy, it held only 0.1% of the Bitcoin that customers believed they had deposited on the platform. As a result, returning crypto assets as-is is simply not feasible.

FTX’s Impact on the Crypto Industry

FTX’s collapse has sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency industry. Once seen as a trailblazer in crypto exchanges, FTX’s downfall exposed the fragility of platforms that mix customer deposits with risky hedge fund bets. Sam Bankman-Fried, the company’s founder, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of fraud and conspiracy. He has since appealed the decision, but the case remains a cautionary tale for crypto investors.

Despite the fallout, FTX’s bankruptcy repayment plan is being hailed as a model for handling complex Chapter 11 proceedings. U.S. Judge John Dorsey, who presided over the bankruptcy court hearings, described FTX’s plan as a success story in recovering significant funds for customers in a remarkably short time.

Looking Forward

As FTX moves forward with its bankruptcy plan, many in the crypto community will be watching closely. While the repayment structure is not without its critics, it represents a significant step toward resolving one of the largest crypto collapses in history. FTX’s ability to repay most of its customers in full offers some hope for stability in an industry that has been rife with volatility.

The FTX collapse underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and transparency in cryptocurrency exchanges. As the FTX bankruptcy repayment process unfolds, the lessons learned will likely influence future regulations and the way investors interact with crypto platforms moving forward.

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When it comes to investing, people are typically categorized based on their risk tolerance: aggressive investors seek higher returns through volatile assets, while conservative investors prioritize stability and wealth preservation. However, new data reveals an intriguing shift in crypto investment trends. A recent study by Bank of America Private Bank found that young, wealthy investors who identify as “conservative” are holding more cryptocurrency than their “aggressive” counterparts, challenging traditional definitions of risk and investment.

Changing Landscape of Crypto Investment

Traditionally, aggressive investors lean towards assets like stocks, while conservative investors opt for safer, more predictable options such as bonds. Cryptocurrency, known for its volatility and speculative nature, would logically be a choice for aggressive investors. However, the study shows that young investors aged 21 to 43 with a minimum of $3 million in investable assets hold, on average, 17% of their portfolios in crypto if they identify as conservative, compared to 14% for those who are more aggressive.

These unexpected crypto investment trends reflect not just a shift in the market but also a redefinition of how investors view risk and opportunity in today’s financial landscape. Stephane Ouellette, founder and CEO of digital asset firm FRNT Financial, suggests that the current state of the crypto market plays a significant role in these trends. In a relatively stable market, “true believers” in Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies are holding on, while aggressive investors tend to re-enter the market when prices surge.

A Different Kind of Risk Perception

Why would conservative investors hold a larger share of their wealth in something as unpredictable as crypto? It all comes down to perspective. While traditional assets like stocks and bonds are backed by fundamentals like corporate earnings and cash flow, cryptocurrencies are primarily driven by speculation and investor sentiment. For some, this speculative nature and the potential for massive returns outweigh the risks.

Brad Klontz, a certified financial planner and financial psychology professor, points out that many crypto investors have a different attitude towards risk. “It’s more conservative to own crypto? It goes against all logic,” he notes. But for many young, wealthy investors, crypto offers a way to diversify away from traditional financial systems that they may not fully trust.

Crypto as a Hedge Against Economic Uncertainty

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have often been seen as a hedge against economic instability. In periods of economic uncertainty, digital currencies provide an alternative store of value outside of conventional markets. The rise of crypto as a decentralized asset appeals to investors seeking to protect their wealth from systemic risks, currency devaluation, or market collapses.

Mike Pelzar, head of investments at Bank of America Private Bank, points out that for some young, affluent investors, crypto investments are perceived as safer than traditional assets. In the event of a significant economic downturn or collapse of the U.S. dollar, crypto may offer a safeguard as an alternative form of currency. For these investors, the perceived stability of crypto as an independent asset class provides peace of mind, even if it appears contradictory to conventional investment logic.

Crypto Investment Trends Reflect a New Perspective

It’s important to note that the current market environment plays a large role in these crypto investment trends. A few years ago, during crypto’s rapid rise, aggressive investors flocked to the market in search of quick gains. As prices fell in 2022, many exited their positions. However, those who view crypto as a long-term store of value and a hedge against systemic risks remained.

As markets stabilize and more institutional support for digital currencies emerges, the belief in crypto as a stable asset class is solidifying among certain investor groups. The attitudes of young, wealthy investors reflect a growing sentiment that diversifying portfolios with crypto is not necessarily a speculative gamble but rather a strategy to hedge against broader economic uncertainties.

The Implications for Wealth Building and Diversification

For young investors building wealth, having a small allocation to crypto may be seen as a high-risk, high-reward strategy that could lead to significant portfolio growth. The allure of potentially drastic returns justifies the volatility. For those who already have substantial wealth, however, the potential benefits of holding crypto are different. Since it would take a catastrophic event to significantly impact their wealth, crypto serves as an asset that might perform well when traditional investments do not, providing a safety net in times of economic crisis.

Ouellette of FRNT Financial believes that as the market evolves and if crypto prices take off again, aggressive investors may re-enter the market, driving further adoption. Until then, the cautious, long-term investors who see crypto as an alternative asset class will continue to shape the current crypto investment trends.

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