Tag Archives: cryptocurrency

Charles Hoskinson Reacts to Scott Bessent’s Bitcoin Post

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**US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Highlights Bitcoin’s Reliability on 17th Anniversary of Whitepaper**

On November 1, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made waves on X by posting about Bitcoin’s impressive reliability over the last 17 years. Marking the anniversary of the Bitcoin Whitepaper, Bessent remarked on the resilience of the flagship cryptocurrency, emphasizing that “17 years after the white paper, the Bitcoin network is still operational and more resilient than ever. Bitcoin never shuts down.” He also called on Senate Democrats to take note of this remarkable feat.

### Charles Hoskinson Reacts with Amusement

Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, expressed surprise and amusement at Bessent’s pro-Bitcoin stance, especially coming from an elected official. In his reaction to the X post, Hoskinson described the moment as “profoundly magical,” highlighting how this signals a significant shift from the region’s previously skeptical or anti-Bitcoin stance.

He further credited the pro-crypto administration under former President Donald Trump for paving the way toward this change. Hoskinson remarked that Bessent’s statement reflects growing mainstream acceptance and institutional adoption of Bitcoin, the first-ever digital asset.

### Growing Institutional and Governmental Adoption of Bitcoin

Bitcoin’s adoption continues to expand beyond just enthusiasts and investors. Over recent months, multiple institutions and countries have begun incorporating Bitcoin into their strategic reserves, underscoring the asset’s legitimacy and growing importance on a global scale.

### France Proposes Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Bill

In a notable development, France is moving toward becoming the first European country to establish a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. Just before October ended, Eric Ciotti, President of the Union of the Right and Centre (UDR), introduced a bill in the French National Assembly proposing the acquisition of 2% of the total BTC supply.

This equates to approximately 420,000 BTC, planned to be acquired over 7–8 years as a measure to protect France’s financial sovereignty. Gregory Raymond, co-founder of Big Whale, acknowledged that this is the first time such a comprehensive Bitcoin reserve bill has been proposed in France, marking a significant milestone.

### Bitcoin Price Update

Despite these positive developments, Bitcoin’s price remains relatively stable, hovering around $110,000. Notably, this marks the first time in seven years that Bitcoin is closing the tenth month of the year (October) in the red, despite the popularly termed “Uptober” rally.

At the time of writing, CoinMarketCap data shows Bitcoin trading at approximately $109,992.59.

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*Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to provide accurate and timely information but should not be considered financial or investment advice. Market conditions can change rapidly. We encourage readers to verify information independently and consult professionals before making any financial decisions.*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/bitcoin/charles-hoskinson-reacts-to-scott-bessents-bitcoin-post/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=charles-hoskinson-reacts-to-scott-bessents-bitcoin-post

Stablecoin issuers capture 75% of total crypto revenue

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Stablecoin projects continue to dominate the crypto economy, capturing approximately 60% to 75% of total daily protocol revenues across major categories. Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, has even stated that the firm is on track to achieve $15 billion in profit this year, boasting an extraordinary 99% profit margin. This remarkable performance makes Tether one of the most profitable businesses globally on a per-employee basis.

### How Tether and Circle Generate Revenue

Tether and Circle invest user deposits in safe, yield-bearing assets, primarily U.S. Treasuries and cash, and retain the returns rather than sharing them with users. Stablecoins have become a vital source of cryptocurrency liquidity, widely used across exchanges, decentralized finance (DeFi) systems, and cross-border payment platforms. They offer greater stability compared to more volatile tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum, making them essential tools for businesses and institutional investors for value transfer.

Stablecoin issuers earn revenue by generating interest on the assets backing their tokens. These safe investments provide a steady return while maintaining the stability that users expect.

### Regulatory Environment and the GENIUS Act

In July, the GENIUS Act was enacted to codify this principle, explicitly preventing authorized stablecoin issuers from distributing any form of yield to holders. Lawmakers designed this regulation to position payment stablecoins as cash-like instruments rather than investment vehicles.

Despite this, growing competition in the stablecoin market has pushed some projects to explore new methods of distributing value. For example, USDe has introduced a synthetic dollar model that provides immediate returns to holders. Additionally, users holding USDC on Coinbase can earn a 3.85% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). This innovative approach represents a creative challenge to the GENIUS Act’s prohibition on issuer-provided yields, signaling a shift in how return on investment (ROI) is generated and shared within the crypto community.

### BlackRock’s Growing Role in the Stablecoin Market

In a report released in late September, Citi analysts projected that stablecoin issuance could surge to $4 trillion by the end of the decade, up from approximately $280 billion today. Reflecting this growth, financial giant BlackRock has been increasing its involvement in the stablecoin space.

BlackRock has maintained a long-standing relationship with Circle, the second-largest stablecoin issuer, overseeing much of its reserve fund. Following Circle’s highly anticipated stock market debut in June, the company is exploring opportunities to offer reserve management services to other stablecoin issuers as well.

The firm’s BSTBL fund plays a critical role in BlackRock’s broader strategy to expand within digital finance. Jon Steel, global head of product and platform for BlackRock’s cash management business, told CNBC, “It represents an opportunity not just to help our clients if they’re looking to issue a stablecoin and how we can help them in doing that, but clearly this is going to create the potential for new distribution opportunities.”

The BSTBL fund is accessible to institutional investors, including pension funds and university endowments. Moreover, longer trading hours could benefit BlackRock’s clients, especially in the Western United States, by allowing them to manage daily cash flow and profit and loss (P&L) operations for a more extended portion of the business day.

BlackRock’s digital asset lineup already includes products based on Bitcoin and Ethereum, marking a significant step forward in their digital finance offerings.

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Want your project featured in front of crypto’s top minds? Get included in our next industry report where data meets impact. Contact us today to learn more!
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/crypto/stablecoin-issuers-capture-75-of-total-crypto-revenue/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stablecoin-issuers-capture-75-of-total-crypto-revenue

Bybit Alpha Celebrates Luck and Mastery with up to 8,000 USDT in Rewards for Top Winners

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DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is excited to kick off a brand new trading season on Bybit Alpha with a total prize pool of 600,000 USDT.

From now until the end of 2025, traders of all experience levels can earn rewards while experiencing Bybit’s latest streamlined gateway for on-chain trading through daily giveaways and leaderboards. The newly upgraded Bybit Alpha transforms access to premier on-chain opportunities for alpha hunters. Delivering seamless integration with Unified Trading Account (UTA) balances, Bybit Alpha allows traders to execute on-chain transactions with the familiar efficiency of spot trading.

### Bybit Exclusive: The Alpha Trading Season

This trading season features five competition rounds, two prize pools, and hundreds of potential winners. Bybit Alpha invites both consistent and competitive traders to divide up the rewards in two paths:

– **Alpha Lucky Draw:** Users can complete low-threshold trading tasks to earn Lucky Draw tickets for a chance to win up to 100 USDT from the 100,000 USDT prize pool. Each task culminates in up to two tickets per day from now until the end of the year.

– **Alpha Trading Competition:** The centerpiece of this trading season, the main competition will distribute 500,000 USDT across five separate rounds, recognizing the top 100 performers in each round. First-place finishers receive 8,000 USDT, second place 6,000 USDT, and third place 4,000 USDT, with tiered rewards extended to other traders on the leaderboard.

Whether traders thrive on daily gains or chase the adrenaline of volume-driven competition, Bybit Alpha empowers them with the tools and opportunities to match their ambition. The platform is ready to support every strategy throughout this two-month trading season.

To participate in the event, eligible users may simply sign up for Bybit Alpha and start trading. Terms and conditions apply, and participants are subject to eligibility requirements.

Bybit Alpha’s enhanced capabilities reflect Bybit’s commitment to bridging centralized and decentralized trading experiences, providing institutional-grade infrastructure with retail-friendly accessibility.

To learn more about Bybit Alpha, visit: [Bybit Alpha: The evolution of on-chain trading](https://www.bybit.com)

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### About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 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](https://www.bybit.com).

—

### Media Contact

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

For updates, follow Bybit’s communities and social media channels.

#Bybit #CryptoArk #BybitAlpha
https://usethebitcoin.com/crypto-live-feed/bybit-alpha-celebrates-luck-and-mastery-with-up-to-8000-usdt-in-rewards-for-top-winners/

Here’s How Much Bitcoin Michael Saylor Still Holds in 2025

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Michael Saylor’s early conviction in Bitcoin has evolved into one of the most remarkable personal investment stories in modern financial history. The MicroStrategy co-founder, who first revealed his personal Bitcoin holdings back in 2020, is now seeing his bet pay off in extraordinary fashion as the leading cryptocurrency hovers around the $110,000 mark.

In an X post dated October 28, 2020, Saylor disclosed that he owned 17,732 BTC, purchased at an average price of $9,882 per coin. At the time, Bitcoin was trading below $14,000, and many institutional investors were still skeptical about adopting digital assets. Saylor’s personal investment totaled roughly $175 million.

Today, at around $110,000 per BTC, that same stash is worth nearly $1.95 billion—representing a gain of more than 1,000% in just five years.

### From Skeptic to Bitcoin’s Loudest Advocate

Before his public embrace of Bitcoin, Saylor was known for running one of the largest business intelligence companies in the world. In the early 2010s, he was openly skeptical about cryptocurrencies. But by 2020, faced with the accelerating devaluation of fiat currencies and the rising appeal of digital scarcity, he began to reassess his stance.

His personal accumulation of Bitcoin preceded MicroStrategy’s historic move to convert a portion of its corporate treasury into BTC. Saylor informed the company’s board of his own holdings before the firm made its first purchase, ensuring full transparency.

This step marked the beginning of what would become one of the largest and most influential Bitcoin accumulation strategies ever executed by a public company.

### MicroStrategy’s Strategy Becomes a Blueprint

MicroStrategy’s entry into Bitcoin not only reshaped its own identity but also influenced broader corporate treasury policies across the tech and finance sectors. The company now holds 640,808 BTC, valued at nearly $70.6 billion based on current market prices.

Saylor’s steadfast advocacy and consistent accumulation have positioned MicroStrategy as a de facto Bitcoin proxy stock. Shares of the company have closely mirrored Bitcoin’s performance, often serving as a leveraged play for institutional investors seeking exposure to the crypto market without directly purchasing BTC.

Despite periods of volatility and market downturns, Saylor has maintained his long-term thesis: that Bitcoin is a superior form of money designed to outlast inflationary pressures, currency debasement, and political uncertainty. His frequent appearances on financial media and social platforms have made him one of the most visible ambassadors of the Bitcoin movement.

### Bitcoin Consolidates Above $110K

Recent data from TradingView shows Bitcoin continuing to hold above the $110,000 level, with moderate volatility but consistent support near the six-figure zone. After a strong performance throughout the year, BTC has shown resilience even amid tightening monetary conditions and shifting macroeconomic signals.

The current trend highlights investor confidence returning to the market as expectations build around the next wave of institutional inflows, fueled by ETF approvals, sovereign fund interest, and renewed adoption from major payment networks.

At this price, Saylor’s personal holdings alone account for nearly $2 billion, and MicroStrategy’s total BTC position is among the most valuable single-asset corporate treasuries in the world. Together, they represent a combined exposure exceeding $26 billion to Bitcoin—a figure unmatched by any other institution.

### A Long-Term Vision Still Unfolding

Five years after Saylor’s disclosure, his conviction remains unchanged. He continues to advocate for dollar-cost averaging into Bitcoin and has often referred to the asset as “digital energy” or “digital property.”

While skeptics continue to question Bitcoin’s volatility and long-term scalability, Saylor’s persistence has solidified his status as one of the asset’s most influential champions.

As Bitcoin flirts with new highs, both Saylor’s personal fortune and MicroStrategy’s market valuation remain tightly bound to the cryptocurrency’s performance. With growing institutional interest and an increasingly mature digital asset market, his early faith in Bitcoin appears far from misplaced, and the story of his 17,732 BTC purchase has become part of crypto legend.

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**Author:** Reporter at Coindoo
Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
https://coindoo.com/heres-how-much-bitcoin-michael-saylor-still-holds-in-2025/

Argentina’s Milei Strengthens Political Power Amid LIBRA Scandal

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**Milei’s La Libertad Avanza Party Wins Big in Argentina’s 2025 Midterms Amid Ongoing LIBRA Crypto Scandal**

Argentine President Javier Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza (LLA), secured a significant victory in the 2025 midterm legislative elections, capturing nearly 41% of the national vote. This impressive win bolsters Milei’s influence in Congress and strengthens his position to advance his reform agenda. However, the triumph comes amid an escalating LIBRA cryptocurrency scandal that continues to erode public trust and intensify legal scrutiny surrounding Milei and his associates.

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### Victory in the 2025 Midterms

La Libertad Avanza emerged as a dominant political force in Argentina’s 2025 midterm elections, making notable gains in key districts such as Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Córdoba, and Santa Fe. With approximately 41% of the vote, LLA surpassed the Peronist alliance, which garnered 31.6%.

Following the elections, LLA now holds 101 out of 257 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, a substantial increase that enhances Milei’s legislative leverage. This expanded control is expected to facilitate the passage of Milei’s ambitious reforms in tax policy, labor laws, and pensions.

Reflecting on the victory, Milei stated, “During the first two years, we avoided falling off the cliff. In the next two years, we will continue the reformist path to make Argentina great again.”

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### LIBRA Crypto Scandal Continues to Unfold

Despite his electoral success, Milei’s association with the LIBRA cryptocurrency project has sparked ongoing controversy. The scandal began when Milei publicly endorsed LIBRA, a meme coin that saw a rapid rise in market capitalization.

However, the coin’s value crashed after insiders sold off their holdings, causing significant losses for investors. Although Milei has since distanced himself from LIBRA and denied direct involvement in its operations, the fallout severely impacted his public approval.

A recent Zuban Córdoba survey indicates only 36% of Argentinians still support Milei, while 57.6% express distrust in his leadership. This sharp decline in confidence has led to both criminal and congressional investigations targeting Milei and his advisers.

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### Legal Scrutiny Intensifies

Legal repercussions surrounding the LIBRA scandal have intensified in recent months. In October, an Argentine prosecutor ordered forensic examinations of the phones belonging to President Milei and his close aides as part of an ongoing inquiry into their possible roles in the cryptocurrency project.

Additionally, U.S. legal sources suggest that Milei, along with his brother Karina Milei and promoter Hayden Mark Davis, likely control assets linked to LIBRA. This development has increased pressure on the president’s inner circle, with calls mounting for the detention of two aides implicated in the launch of the token.

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### Struggling to Maintain Credibility

While the 2025 midterm election results increased Milei’s political power, the LIBRA scandal poses a serious threat to his credibility. Accusations of insider trading and market manipulation continue to dominate media coverage, contributing to waning public trust.

Milei faces a delicate balancing act: managing the fallout from the LIBRA scandal while delivering on the reforms that secured his electoral success. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to pushing forward with his policy agenda.

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### Looking Ahead

The coming months will be critical for Milei’s administration as it grapples with legal investigations and public skepticism. Restoring trust may prove essential not only for maintaining political momentum but also in shaping the trajectory of his government ahead of Argentina’s 2027 presidential election.

**Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.**
https://coincentral.com/argentinas-milei-strengthens-political-power-amid-libra-scandal/

Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Targets $180K, Retail Investors Pin Hopes on AlphaPepe as the Favourite

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Bitcoin Eyes $180,000 as AlphaPepe Presale Turns Heads in Crypto Market

Bitcoin (BTC) is once again dominating headlines, as analysts set their sights on a potential rally toward $180,000 in the next major cycle. The world’s largest cryptocurrency continues to solidify its status as the backbone of global digital finance, buoyed by strong institutional inflows, steady ETF demand, and long-term holder accumulation.

But while Bitcoin remains the cornerstone of most portfolios, retail investors are increasingly looking for faster, higher-upside opportunities. That’s where AlphaPepe (ALPE), the BNB Chain presale turning heads across the market, comes in.

With nearly 3,000 early investors, weekly price increases built into the presale model, and a community governance platform in development, AlphaPepe is quickly becoming the project traders are betting on for outsized gains as Bitcoin climbs.

Bitcoin’s Road to $180K: The Institutional Momentum Builds

After touching highs above $125,000 earlier this year, Bitcoin has spent recent months consolidating around the $110,000-$115,000 range. Analysts believe this is a healthy setup phase that historically precedes the next major leg upward.

Institutional flows into spot Bitcoin ETFs have continued at a record pace, signaling deep demand even amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Long-term holders are accumulating, miner selling pressure has eased post-halving, and liquidity across derivatives markets is steadily increasing.

Most major models now forecast $150,000 to $180,000 as Bitcoin’s next major target zone by early 2026, assuming no major regulatory disruptions.

Bitcoin’s steady progress reinforces its role as the anchor of crypto wealth, but it also highlights something retail traders already know: big money moves slowly. For investors chasing the next explosive rally, attention is turning to projects still in their infancy.

AlphaPepe: The Presale Taking Over the Retail Narrative

While Bitcoin builds institutional trust, AlphaPepe (ALPE) is building retail excitement. Designed to blend meme-culture energy with structured growth, AlphaPepe’s presale has already raised more than $330,000 and attracted nearly 3,000 holders—a clear sign that its traction is both organic and accelerating.

Each week, AlphaPepe’s presale price rises incrementally, meaning early buyers automatically benefit from built-in appreciation before the token even launches. This tiered structure has created strong demand from traders and whales alike, who see AlphaPepe as a rare chance to amplify Bitcoin-level profits into life-changing ROI.

The project’s staking system is already active, with APRs that continue both during the presale and post-launch. This live utility has helped AlphaPepe stand out in a market saturated with projects that rely purely on speculation.

Perhaps most importantly, AlphaPepe is preparing to launch its Community Governance Platform—a post-presale system that will allow holders to vote on reward distributions and ecosystem proposals. It’s a shift toward decentralization that gives investors real ownership over the project’s direction.

AlphaPepe’s success also lies in its community. Its organic virality on X (formerly Twitter), backed by a $100,000 ALPE giveaway, has made it one of the most visible crypto launches of 2025. With staking, governance, and live rewards all in play, it’s no surprise that analysts are calling it the “next Shiba Inu but with structure.”

Bitcoin and AlphaPepe: Two Sides of the Same Strategy

Bitcoin and AlphaPepe represent two very different kinds of opportunity and together, they make a powerful combination.

  • Bitcoin provides the foundation: slow, steady, and institutionally backed.
  • AlphaPepe provides acceleration: rapid, community-driven, and built for high ROI potential.

For many investors, the strategy is simple: hold Bitcoin for security, and use the profits from its rise to enter early-stage projects like AlphaPepe, where upside potential is exponentially higher.

As one analyst put it: “Nearly 3,000 early AlphaPepe investors could be looking at life-changing returns. This is the kind of move that turns Bitcoin profits into generational wealth.”

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s march toward $180K seems inevitable as institutional adoption deepens and macro trends favor digital assets. But while BTC’s climb will reward patience, AlphaPepe (ALPE) is rewarding speed—the early adopters who understand timing and momentum.

With a weekly price increase structure, staking APR live during and after presale, and a community governance platform set to go live post-launch, AlphaPepe has become the project defining this phase of the market.

For traders and whales positioning early, AlphaPepe could turn strong Bitcoin gains into the kind of life-changing ROI that only happens once every few cycles. And with its explosive growth and active investor base, it’s easy to see why retail investors have made AlphaPepe their favorite crypto play of 2025.

Connect and Learn More

  • Website: [Insert Website URL]
  • Telegram: [Insert Telegram Link]
  • X (Twitter): [Insert X Profile Link]

FAQs

What is Bitcoin’s next price target?

Analysts expect Bitcoin to test $150K-$180K by early 2026, driven by ETF inflows, supply reductions, and long-term holder accumulation.

Why are retail investors turning to AlphaPepe?

Because it offers early-stage momentum, weekly price increases during presale, staking rewards, and real governance utility—a combination that amplifies upside.

What makes AlphaPepe unique among meme coins?

Its transparency, audited foundation, and post-launch roadmap, which includes community governance and sustained staking rewards.

How many investors have joined AlphaPepe so far?

AlphaPepe is nearing 3,000 holders, growing by over 100 new participants daily—far above the average for similar presales.

Can AlphaPepe really deliver life-changing returns?

Analysts believe it can. With its accelerating presale structure and ecosystem roadmap, AlphaPepe could become the cycle’s biggest ROI opportunity.

This publication is sponsored. Coindoo does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products, or any other materials on this page. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before engaging in any cryptocurrency-related actions. Coindoo will not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any damages or losses resulting from the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned. Always do your own research.

About the Author

Krasimir Rusev is a reporter at Coindoo with many years of experience covering cryptocurrencies and financial markets. He specializes in analysis, news, and forecasts for digital assets, providing readers with in-depth and reliable information on the latest market trends. His expertise and professionalism make him a valuable source for investors, traders, and anyone following the dynamics of the crypto world.

https://coindoo.com/bitcoin-price-prediction-btc-targets-180k-retail-investors-pin-hopes-on-alphapepe-as-the-favourite/

Is Trump’s pardon of Binance boss Changpeng Zhao a conflict of interest?

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**Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Amid Controversy**

US President Donald Trump has pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, creator of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Zhao had been imprisoned last year for failing to prevent criminals from using his platform to launder money linked to child sex abuse, “terrorism,” and drug trafficking.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that Trump had “exercised his constitutional authority by issuing a pardon for Mr. Zhao, who was prosecuted by the Biden Administration in their war on cryptocurrency.”

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### Background on Zhao’s Conviction

Zhao was released from prison in September 2024 after serving a four-month sentence for violating the US Bank Secrecy Act, the first person ever imprisoned under this law, which was enacted in 1970. The act mandates that financial institutions know their customers, monitor transactions, and file reports of suspicious activity.

Prosecutors stated Zhao repeatedly ignored these regulations between 2017 and 2024. The judge for the Western District of Washington expressed concern over Zhao’s disregard for US banking rules, noting his “better to ask for forgiveness than permission” approach.

During this period, Binance reportedly facilitated over 1.5 million virtual currency trades totaling approximately $900 million that violated US laws and sanctions, including those related to al-Qaeda and Iran. Drug trafficking networks and organizations linked to child sexual exploitation allegedly used Binance to move illicit funds anonymously. Binance’s weak customer verification and tolerance of high-risk transactions made it a hub for illegal activities, prosecutors claimed.

In November 2023, Zhao pleaded guilty to one count of failing to monitor money laundering at his company and was barred from operating within the US. Binance agreed to pay $4.3 billion to settle other Department of Justice allegations.

At sentencing, Zhao expressed remorse, stating: “I failed here. I deeply regret my failure, and I am sorry.”

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### Zhao’s Background and the Impact of the Pardon

Zhao grew up in rural China and emigrated with his family to Canada after the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Fascinated by technology, he studied computer science at McGill University before cofounding Binance in 2017.

The pardon lifts restrictions preventing Zhao from running US ventures again and could pave the way for his return to Binance, which remains operational since his arrest. Zhao is notably known as the former rival of Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of FTX, who was convicted of stealing $10 billion in customer funds.

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### Why Did Trump Pardon Zhao?

At a White House briefing, Trump defended his decision, stating, “A lot of people say that he wasn’t guilty of anything. He served four months in jail, and they say that he was not guilty of anything.” Trump added, “I gave him a pardon at the request of a lot of very good people… I’ve been told that what he did is not even a crime.”

Press secretary Leavitt said the White House counsel thoroughly reviewed the pardon request. She criticized the Biden administration for “an egregious over-sentencing” and being “very hostile to the cryptocurrency industry.” According to Leavitt, Trump “wants to correct this overreach.”

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### Trump’s Approach to Cryptocurrency Industry

During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump promised a friendlier stance toward the crypto industry compared to his predecessor. He received substantial campaign donations from crypto players.

Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has loosened regulations, pursued the establishment of a national cryptocurrency reserve, and disbanded the government’s crypto-enforcement team.

Zhao’s pardon follows similar clemency moves, including the halting of a fraud case against cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun and pardons for BitMEX cofounders convicted of violating the US Bank Secrecy Act.

However, some voices have raised concerns. Joe Lonsdale, cofounder of data software company Palantir, tweeted that Trump had been “terribly advised” on recent pardons, suggesting they “make it look like massive fraud is happening around him.” Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the pardon as “a kind of corruption.”

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### Allegations of Conflict of Interest

Critics argue there is a conflict of interest in Trump’s pardon of Zhao. Robert Reich, economist and former Labor Secretary, called it part of a “Pay-to-Pardon Scheme,” highlighting Zhao’s ties to boosting the Trump family’s crypto business.

Trump and his family own World Liberty Financial, a crypto firm closely linked to Binance. In March 2025, World Liberty launched “USD1,” a dollar-pegged stablecoin backed by US treasuries and issued on Binance’s blockchain.

Binance promoted USD1 to its 275 million users. The stablecoin was supported by the UAE’s MGX Fund Management, which used $2 billion worth of USD1 tokens to acquire a stake in Binance. According to the New York Times, this deal could generate tens of millions for the Trump family.

The White House maintains that Trump has no conflicts of interest with Binance, as his crypto assets are held in a trust without his oversight. However, as of September, Trump reportedly holds nearly 15.75 billion tokens in World Liberty Financial, valued at over $3.4 billion, making crypto his most significant source of wealth, alongside real estate.

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### Market Reaction

Following Trump’s announcement of the pardon, Binance’s associated token BNB surged by 8 percent, reflecting investor optimism.

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**Related Stories:**

– Trump pardons Binance cryptocurrency founder Changpeng Zhao
– Trump says newly signed crypto law will establish ‘American dominance’
– US House sends crypto ‘GENIUS Act’ to Trump, in win for industry advocates
– What is the US’s Crypto Week? Why has Bitcoin hit a record high?

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*This article will be updated as more information becomes available.*
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/24/is-trumps-pardon-of-binance-boss-changpeng-zhao-a-conflict-of-interest?traffic_source=rss

Trump’s CZ pardon draws fury from Maxine Waters over ‘pay-to-play’ crypto ties

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United States Representative Maxine Waters has strongly criticized former US President Donald Trump for his decision to pardon Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao.

Trump pardoned Zhao on Thursday, stating that people told him “what he did is not even a crime.” Waters, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Financial Services, responded later that day with a sharp rebuke. In a statement, she claimed, “Trump is doing massive favors for crypto criminals who have helped line his pockets.”

Waters continued, “Trump’s pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao—who pleaded guilty to enabling money laundering and facilitating suspicious transactions with child abusers, drug dealers, and terrorists—is an appalling but unsurprising reflection of his presidency.”

According to Trump, his decision to pardon Zhao followed advice from “a lot of people” who told him CZ was not guilty. “It wasn’t a crime; he was persecuted by the Biden Administration,” Trump asserted.

### Waters Disagrees

Maxine Waters further accused CZ of lobbying Trump and his family for months while funneling billions into Trump’s personal crypto company, World Liberty Financial. She insisted that the pardon was a direct result of these efforts and called it “a blatant example of the kind of pay-to-play corruption that Trump and his Administration continue to engage in.”

These statements come amid recent reports highlighting an extraordinary rise in Trump’s personal wealth during what would have been his second term in office. This wealth increase has been driven, in part, by a sprawling cryptocurrency empire linked to the president and his family.

### Trump Family’s Crypto Ventures

The Trump family’s crypto ventures are reported to have generated more than $1 billion in pre-tax profit over the past year. The family does not shy away from this fact; Trump’s son, Eric Trump, even claimed that their actual profits were “probably more.”

### World Liberty Financial’s Success

World Liberty Financial (WLFI), named by Waters, is at the center of this new wealth. The decentralized finance (DeFi) company was founded by Trump’s sons and close associates. It has sold billions of dollars in tokens and stablecoins, bolstering the family’s crypto fortune.

Back in June, Trump disclosed $57.4 million in income derived from his involvement with World Liberty Financial. In the following month, the family’s stake in WLFI surged to $5 billion after a token unlock. More recent estimates suggest that the family’s earnings from WLFI this year alone have reached approximately $550 million.

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*Related: Polymarket bets that Sam Bankman-Fried gets pardon surge to 12%*
*Related: Crypto execs fork over cash at Trump’s ballroom fundraiser*
https://cointelegraph.com/news/trump-accused-of-rewarding-crypto-criminals-after-pardoning-binance-s-cz?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound

Despite gov’t shutdown, crypto market structure bill ‘90% there’ — Coinbase CEO

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Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has expressed optimism that US senators are moving closer to advancing key cryptocurrency market structure legislation by Thanksgiving. He suggested that there is now far more agreement across both sides of the aisle than differences.

“Even though the government is shut down, the Senate is working hard on getting market structure legislation passed for crypto,” Armstrong said in a video posted on X.

According to Armstrong, roughly 90% of the legislative framework has already been agreed upon, with the remaining 10% focused on issues like decentralized finance (DeFi). He added that policymakers are looking for ways to protect innovation while ensuring that “centralized intermediaries, like Coinbase, should be regulated, not the protocols.”

Armstrong also underscored the importance of “preserving stablecoin rewards” following the passage of the GENIUS Act earlier this year. The Act set federal standards for stablecoin reserves, transparency, and consumer protections.

“The big banks are coming for their cash grab, trying to block that,” Armstrong said. “We’re not going to let them re-litigate that.”

### Banking Lobby Pushback on the GENIUS Act

Armstrong’s criticism of the banking industry comes amid strong opposition from many lobbyists to the GENIUS stablecoin act, particularly over what they view as a loophole allowing interest payments.

While the GENIUS Act explicitly prohibits stablecoin issuers from offering interest or yield, this restriction does not apply to exchanges, according to the Bank Policy Institute (BPI). By excluding crypto exchanges like Coinbase, “the requirements in the GENIUS Act can be easily evaded and undermined by allowing payment of interest indirectly to holders of stablecoins,” the BPI stated.

As reported by Cointelegraph, banking lobbies have grown increasingly concerned that stablecoins could threaten their traditional business model, which currently offers depositors minimal interest.

Industry insider and New York University professor Austin Campbell noted that bankers are “panicking” over the prospect of stablecoin holders earning yields.

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**Related:** Boom in RWA Tokenization Expected After Passing of GENIUS Act
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