WUSD Now Accepted at Iconic Metro Department Store Through dtcpay Integration

SINGAPORE, Feb. 27, 2025 /CNW/ — Worldwide Stablecoin Payment Network (WSPN) is pleased to announce that its flagship stablecoin, WUSD, is now accepted at Metro Department Store through dtcpay’s innovative payment solution. This development marks a significant milestone in bringing stablecoin technology to mainstream retail, as shoppers at one of Singapore’s most iconic department stores can now use WUSD for their everyday purchases.


(PRNewsfoto/WSPN)

The integration follows dtcpay’s recently announced partnership with Metro Department Store, which enables customers to pay with popular stablecoins including USDT, USDC, and WUSD. This expansion in WUSD acceptance demonstrates the growing utility of Stablecoin 2.0 in real-world retail environments, positioning WUSD among the select digital assets available for Metro shoppers from day one.

“We’re thrilled to see WUSD becoming available to the public at Metro Department Store through our partnership with dtcpay,” said Raymond Yuan, Founder & CEO of WSPN. “This represents exactly the kind of practical, everyday utility that Stablecoin 2.0 was designed to deliver. As more consumers experience the convenience and stability of using WUSD for retail purchases, we expect to see accelerated adoption across the broader market.”

Metro customers can now enjoy the benefits of using WUSD for their shopping needs, including the stability and security that comes with a digital asset pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. The integration allows shoppers to pay directly with WUSD at checkout, creating a seamless experience that makes digital assets more accessible and practical for everyday use.

This development builds upon the strategic partnership between WSPN and dtcpay announced in October 2024, which established WUSD as a key digital payment option within dtcpay’s expanding merchant network. The addition of Metro Department Store to this network represents a significant step forward in mainstream retail adoption of stablecoin technology, with WUSD being at the forefront of this innovation.

About WSPN
WSPN is a leading provider of next-generation stablecoin infrastructure, committed to building a more secure, efficient, and transparent payment solution for the global economy. Their flagship product, WUSD stablecoin, is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. Dollar and aims to optimize secure digital payments for Web3 users. WSPN’s Stablecoin 2.0 approach prioritizes user-centricity, community governance, and accessibility, paving the way for widespread stablecoin adoption.

Learn more: www.wspn.ioX | LinkedIn

About dtcpay
dtcpay is a regulated Major Payment Institution (MPI) licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to conduct Digital Payment Token (DPT) services and other payment services under the Payment Services Act (PSA). As a leading provider of digital payment solutions, we pioneer the integration of stablecoin acceptance into traditional financial systems. With a vision to make global transactions seamless and sustainable, dtcpay empowers individuals and businesses to embrace the future of payments.

Learn more at dtcpay.com.

About Metro
Metro is one of Singapore’s most iconic & beloved department stores, offering a wide range of products across fashion, beauty, home essentials, and more. With a legacy of trust and quality, Metro continues to innovate to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

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SOURCE WSPN

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Bitcoin Price Prediction: Crash and Rebound Expected

Bitcoin’s volatility continues to dominate market discussions, with analysts offering diverse forecasts on its next move. This week, Bitcoin price prediction models suggest an upcoming drop followed by a sharp rebound, driven by technical patterns and market forces.

After briefly entering a bear market and bottoming at $82,177, Bitcoin (BTC) has recovered slightly, trading around $86,200 following strong earnings from Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA). However, an astrology-based crypto analyst warns that Bitcoin’s decline isn’t over yet and may continue until March 13 or 14, aligning with the upcoming Lunar Eclipse.

Bitcoin’s Lunar Eclipse Crash Theory

A well-known but anonymous crypto analyst has predicted that Bitcoin and altcoins will experience further losses in the coming weeks. His analysis is based on astrological cycles, particularly Saturn conjunction, which is historically linked to market contractions and economic slowdowns.

According to his Bitcoin price prediction, the ongoing sell-off will intensify before March 13, when the Lunar Eclipse occurs. In astrology, such celestial events are associated with emotional shifts and market reversals, suggesting Bitcoin could rebound shortly after the eclipse.

Fundamental Factors Driving Bitcoin’s Decline

Beyond astrology, several fundamental market factors support the bearish outlook for Bitcoin:

  1. Bitcoin ETF Outflows

Recent data from SoSoValue shows that spot Bitcoin ETFs have suffered consecutive outflows over the past seven days, indicating that American investors are stepping back. This lack of institutional demand adds selling pressure on BTC.

  1. U.S. Tariff Uncertainty

Political uncertainty could also weigh on Bitcoin. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of new tariffs on imports, creating additional market volatility. Earlier this month, Bitcoin’s price dropped sharply when he announced tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods.

Technical Indicators Point to More Downside

  1. Bearish Candlestick Patterns

Bitcoin’s price chart has formed a Three Dark Crows pattern, a classic bearish reversal signal indicating a potential continuation of the downtrend. The current rebound might be a bull trap, luring buyers before another drop.

  1. Ichimoku Cloud Breakdown

BTC has also moved below the Ichimoku Cloud, a sign of strong downward momentum. This suggests the market sentiment remains bearish, reinforcing the possibility of a deeper correction.

  1. Double Top Formation

A double top pattern has emerged, with a neckline at $89,107. The price has already broken below this key support level, and if the pattern completes, Bitcoin could drop 18% from this point, potentially reaching $73,613—its March 2024 high.

Bitcoin Price Outlook: When Will BTC Rebound?

Despite these bearish signals, many analysts believe Bitcoin will recover in the long run. If the astrology-based Bitcoin price prediction holds true, a reversal around mid-March could set the stage for another bull run.

Key factors to watch for a Bitcoin rebound include:

? Institutional buyers re-entering the market after ETF outflows stabilize.

? A decrease in macroeconomic uncertainty, especially regarding tariffs.

? Bitcoin’s halving event, which historically triggers long-term price increases.

Conclusion: Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain?

The Bitcoin price prediction for the next few weeks suggests a potential crash before a rebound. While technical and fundamental indicators point to further downside, the Lunar Eclipse theory predicts a recovery around mid-March.

For investors, this period may present buying opportunities if Bitcoin reaches key support levels. However, the market remains highly volatile, making risk management crucial.

Conclusion: Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain?

The Bitcoin price prediction for the next few weeks suggests a potential crash before a rebound. While technical and fundamental indicators point to further downside, the Lunar Eclipse theory predicts a recovery around mid-March.

For investors, this period may present buying opportunities if Bitcoin reaches key support levels. However, the market remains highly volatile, making risk management crucial.

Despite the near-term bearish outlook, long-term fundamentals remain strong, with increasing institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and the upcoming Bitcoin halving expected to drive future gains. If Bitcoin follows historical cycles, a deep correction could be followed by a significant rally, making this a critical time for investors to stay informed.

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Crypto Criminal Transactions Hit $40B in 2024: Report

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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Bybit Confirms Security Integrity Amid Safe (Wallet) Incident – No Compromise in Infrastructure

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.

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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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Bybit Earn Pilots OpenAPI Integration into Flexible Savings

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.
Bybit Earn Pilots OpenAPI Integration into Flexible Savings

“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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