The world of digital assets continues to evolve, and so do the tactics of cybercriminals. According to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, crypto criminal transactions surpassed $40 billion in 2024. As new data emerges, the total is expected to exceed $51.3 billion, making it one of the highest on record.

Despite these staggering figures, illicit transactions now represent a smaller percentage of overall crypto activity, thanks to increased institutional adoption and tighter regulatory oversight. However, criminals have adapted, shifting from Bitcoin (BTC) to stablecoins as their preferred method of laundering funds.

Stablecoins Lead in Crypto Crime

Chainalysis reports that stablecoins now dominate illicit crypto transactions, accounting for 63% of total criminal activity in the sector. In contrast, Bitcoin’s role in illegal dealings has dropped significantly, now making up just 20% of illicit funds, compared to 70% in 2021.

This shift suggests that criminals prefer dollar-pegged digital assets due to their liquidity, speed, and reduced price volatility. Stablecoins allow for faster cross-border transfers, making them an efficient tool for money laundering and fraud.

Altcoins and Privacy Coins Gain Popularity

While stablecoins have taken center stage, other cryptocurrencies are still used for illicit transactions. Chainalysis found that:

10% of criminal activity involves altcoins, such as Ethereum (ETH) and other digital assets.

Privacy coin Monero (XMR) remains a favorite for dark web transactions due to its enhanced anonymity features.

These findings suggest that while Bitcoin’s influence in crypto-related crimes is waning, cybercriminals are diversifying their methods to evade detection.

Institutional Adoption Shrinks Crypto Crime Ratio

Despite the rise in crypto crime volume, the percentage of illicit transactions relative to total trading activity has declined. In 2024, illicit transactions made up just 0.14% of total crypto volume, compared to 0.61% in 2023.

This drop is largely attributed to institutional adoption. Major Wall Street firms and financial institutions have entered the space, increasing legitimate trading volumes. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum-based investment products has significantly boosted legal crypto transactions.

Regulatory Efforts to Curb Crypto Crime

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are taking steps to combat crypto-related financial crimes. Some key developments include:

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) increasing scrutiny over crypto exchanges and DeFi platforms.

The European Union’s MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulations, aiming to enhance transparency in crypto transactions.

Law enforcement agencies targeting illicit crypto transactions, leading to seizures of stolen funds and shutdowns of dark web marketplaces.

These efforts, combined with advanced blockchain analytics tools, are making it more difficult for criminals to hide stolen funds and operate freely.

Future Trends in Crypto Crime

Looking ahead, experts predict:

Greater use of decentralized finance (DeFi) for illicit transactions as criminals seek to bypass traditional financial controls.

More AI-driven fraud schemes, leveraging deepfakes and synthetic identities to scam investors.

Enhanced tracking and anti-money laundering (AML) measures, making it harder for bad actors to exploit digital assets.

As governments and private companies continue tightening security measures, the battle against crypto criminal transactions will likely intensify.

Conclusion: A Shifting Crypto Landscape

While crypto criminal transactions hit $40 billion in 2024, their overall market share is shrinking due to institutional growth and regulatory oversight. However, criminals are adapting tactics, with stablecoins, privacy coins, and altcoins becoming the preferred tools for illicit financial activities.

As law enforcement agencies increase their focus on blockchain analytics, and as more legal frameworks emerge, the crypto sector is heading toward a more regulated and transparent future.

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Disclaimer

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, today issued an important update to the community on the ongoing forensic investigation into the recent security incident. Our preliminary findings reaffirm the integrity of Bybit’s infrastructure while providing crucial insights into the nature of the attack.

The forensic review into the targeted attack by the Lazarus Group concluded that the credentials of a Safe developer were compromised. This allowed the attacker to gain unauthorized access to the Safe(Wallet) infrastructure and totally deceive signers into approving a malicious transaction.

Bybit had engaged third-party forensic experts, including Verichains and Sygnia Labs, to conduct an independent review. Both forensic experts have found no indications of any compromise within Bybit’s infrastructure as confirmed in SAFE’s own statement relating to the compromise of its own environment.

Full report can be downloaded here: https://docsend.com/view/s/rmdi832mpt8u93s7

Bybit’s Immediate Response and Future Measures

Bybit had moved the majority of funds out of its Safe Wallet administered addresses on the  day of the incident. Ensuring the safety and security of our users remains our top priority.  We actively evaluate alternative wallet solutions for custody that meet the highest security standards.

Bybit is and remains 100% secure. Our preliminary forensics experts have concluded that our infrastructure was not compromised. We will continue to enhance our security measures and collaborate with top security experts to uphold our commitment to user safety.

Statement from Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit:

“Bybit remains steadfast in our commitment to security and transparency. The preliminary forensic review finds that our system was not compromised. While this incident underscores the evolving threats in the crypto space, we are taking proactive steps to reinforce security and ensure the highest level of protection for our users.”

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk 

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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Disclaimer

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is enhancing trading features and seamless experiences by introducing the OpenAPI functionality on Bybit Earn. Available now for Flexible Savings products on Bybit Earn, the upgrade will help users make better informed decisions faster, and offer an unobstructed view of their asset performance in their own preferred set-up.

The OpenAPI integration supports multiple trading and data point extraction scenarios, marking an advancement in automated asset management capabilities for users of Flexible Savings on Bybit Earn.

What it means:
Users now have the option to programmatically manage their Bybit Earn Flexible Savings positions through API endpoints, significantly improving efficiency for institutional clients and professional traders who manage multiple positions.

Feature Highlights:

• Staking & Redemption: Users can now create staking and redemption orders more efficiently using the API.
  The API integration supports both Unified Trading Accounts (UTA) and Funding Accounts, enabling users to personalize their asset management style. This means users can integrate Bybit Earn Flexible Savings directly into their automated trading strategies or portfolio management tools.
• Information Queries: Users can easily query their orders, positions, and product details (such as the maximum staking limit and estimated APR) via the API.
  This feature also allows for real-time data retrieval, enabling users to make informed decisions quickly. For example, a user can programmatically check the current APR of a Flexible Savings product and adjust their staking strategy accordingly.

“This integration is another step forward in our mission to provide institutional-grade trading and earning capabilities for high-calibre users,” said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director at Bybit. “By extending API functionality to our Flexible Savings product, we continue to meet the users’ increasing demands for more powerful tool to optimize their yield strategies.”

Availability and Documentation
The initial release starts with the Flexible Savings product suite, with potential expansion to other Earn products planned for future updates. The integration is supported by detailed API documentation and technical resources to ensure smooth implementation for users, available through Bybit’s official API documentation portal. Users may find out more at: https://bybit-exchange.github.io/docs/v5/earn/product-info

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

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Disclaimer

COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The following statement is being issued by Simpluris, Inc., Fund Administrator for the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, regarding the Impact Theory Fair Fund and Plan of Distribution.

NOTICE OF FAIR FUND DISTRIBUTION PLAN
In the Matter of Impact Theory, Inc.
Administrative Proceeding File No. 3-21585

For more information, visit www.ImpactTheoryFairFund.com

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has settled administrative proceedings (the “Order”) against Impact Theory (the “Respondent”). In the Order, the SEC found that from October 13, 2021, to December 6, 2021, Impact Theory violated Sections 5(a) and 5(c) of the Securities Act by offering and selling crypto asset securities known as Founder’s Keys without having a registered statement filed or in effect with the SEC or qualifying for an exemption from registration.

The SEC ordered the Respondent to pay $5,120,718.27 in disgorgement, $483,195.90 in prejudgment interest, and a $500,000.00 civil money penalty, for a total of $6,103,914.17, to the SEC. The SEC also created a Fair Fund, pursuant to Section 308(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, so the penalty collected, along with the disgorgement and interest collected, could be distributed to harmed investors (the “Fair Fund”).

The Fair Fund will be paid out according to the Plan of Distribution (“Plan”).

A summary of the eligibility criteria and claims process is below. Full details are available at www.ImpactTheoryFairFund.com. You may also request a copy of the Plan from the Fund Administrator via email at info@ImpactTheoryFairFund.com or by calling 833-285-3401.

Who is eligible to receive a payment from the Fair Fund? To receive a payment, you must have:

1. purchased or acquired Founder’s Keys between October 13, 2021, and December 6, 2021;
2. submitted a timely Claim Form;
3. suffered a Recognized Loss as calculated under the Plan; and
4. not been an Excluded Party under the Plan.

How do I submit a Claim? The easiest way to submit a claim is online at the Impact Theory Fair Fund website: www.ImpactTheoryFairFund.com. Claim Forms completed online must be submitted on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on August 15, 2025.

If you are unable to submit a Claim Form online and/or you have lost relevant credentials associated with wallets and/or exchanges required as part of an online claim, you may request a copy of the paper Claim Form from the Fund Administrator via email at info@ImpactTheoryFairFund.com or by calling 833-285-3401. You may also download a copy of the Claim Form to print at: www.ImpactTheoryFairFund.com. Claim Forms submitted via mail must be sent to the address provided on the Claim Form and postmarked (or if not sent by U.S. Mail, then received) by August 15, 2025.

The Fund Administrator will send a Determination Notice advising each claimant who timely submitted a Claim Form of their eligibility determination and will provide a calculation of Recognized Loss to those determined to be Eligible Claimants. The Fund Administrator may consider disputes of an Eligible Claimant’s Recognized Loss calculation if timely submitted in accordance with the Plan.

This notice is a summary. For more information, visit
www.ImpactTheoryFairFund.com

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SOURCE Simpluris Inc.

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Disclaimer

Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD) is accelerating its crypto expansion strategy under the Trump administration, capitalizing on a friendlier regulatory environment. Once known for meme stock trading, Robinhood is now pushing deeper into cryptocurrency services, diversifying beyond traditional brokerage offerings.

With SEC scrutiny easing and crypto markets rallying, the company is poised for major growth. Here’s how Robinhood Crypto Expansion is set to reshape the industry.

Robinhood Eyes Global Crypto Dominance

Robinhood made headlines with its $200 million acquisition of Bitstamp in 2024, a move designed to strengthen its crypto trading platform. While regulatory pressures from the SEC previously slowed its progress, the company is now ready to ramp up its global presence.

Chief Financial Officer Jason Warnick emphasized that Robinhood wants its crypto business to be global and as big as possible. The recent appointment of crypto advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chair under Trump could remove roadblocks that hindered Robinhood’s growth in the sector.

Crypto Trading Revenue Surges for Robinhood

Robinhood has already seen significant financial benefits from its crypto expansion. In Q4 2024, the company generated $358 million in revenue from crypto trading alone, accounting for more than half of its total transaction-based revenue.

The trading volume on the platform skyrocketed from $14 billion in Q3 to $71 billion in Q4, fueled by renewed interest in Bitcoin and other digital assets. This surge highlights Robinhood’s increasing role in the crypto ecosystem.

Tokenization: The Future of Stock Trading?

One of Robinhood’s most ambitious projects is exploring tokenization, which involves putting real-world assets like stocks on the blockchain. According to Warnick, tokenization could revolutionize how equities are traded, improving efficiency and transparency.

Robinhood is urging the SEC to clarify regulations on which tokens qualify as securities or commodities, enabling U.S. platforms to compete with global players in blockchain-based trading.

Robinhood’s Push Into Stablecoins

Stablecoins are another key component of Robinhood Crypto Expansion. The company has joined forces with other crypto firms to create the Global Dollar Network, which operates with its own stablecoin, USDG.

This initiative allows Robinhood to settle trades outside of standard banking hours and could open up new opportunities for users to earn yield on stablecoin holdings.

Competing With Coinbase in the U.S. Market

With regulatory pressure easing, Robinhood is positioning itself as a direct competitor to Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN). Analysts predict that the company’s aggressive approach to launching crypto products could steal market share from existing platforms.

John Todaro, a senior research analyst at Needham, stated that Robinhood is now free to pursue innovation without SEC constraints, allowing it to scale its crypto offerings faster than ever.

Maintaining Cost Discipline Amid Expansion

Despite its ambitious crypto push, Robinhood remains committed to cost control. The company plans to keep cost growth in its existing business to low single-digit percentages while ensuring new product launches are lean and efficient.

By maintaining financial discipline, Robinhood aims to reduce risks associated with the volatile crypto market while maximizing long-term profitability.

Conclusion

Robinhood’s crypto expansion is gaining traction under the Trump administration, with regulatory barriers lifting and market conditions improving. The company’s focus on global growth, tokenization, and stablecoin innovation positions it as a rising force in the industry.

As Robinhood accelerates its crypto strategy, investors will be watching closely to see if it can sustain momentum and challenge established players like Coinbase.

By leveraging a more crypto-friendly regulatory landscape, Robinhood is strategically positioning itself for long-term success. Its ability to innovate in tokenization, stablecoins, and global crypto services could reshape the industry. If the company executes its expansion plan effectively, it may emerge as a dominant player in the next phase of digital finance.

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