NewsBriefs - Uniswap Labs launches Unichain, its dedicated Layer 2 blockchain

Feb 11, 2:00 PM The Block

Uniswap Labs launches Unichain, its dedicated Layer 2 blockchain

Uniswap Labs has launched Unichain, a dedicated Layer 2 blockchain aimed at accelerating Ethereum's rollup-centric roadmap and addressing the fragmentation in the Ethereum ecosystem. This release follows the recent launch of Uniswap V4 and introduces advanced features such as sub-second block times with Rollup-Boost technology and a fair priority model within its gas auctions to reduce maximal extractable value issues, enhancing user experience in the DeFi space.

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• Feb 11, 3:46 PM The Block

  Sol Strategies named staking provider for 3iQ's Solana Staking ETF

  Sol Strategies has been selected as the staking provider for 3iQ Corp's upcoming Solana Staking ETF, aimed to expand institutional Solana staking. The ETF, filed with Canadian regulators, seeks to offer regulated exposure to Solana's staking rewards. Meanwhile, the approval of a similar product in the US by the SEC appears more likely, with Bloomberg analysts giving a high chance of approval this year. Sol Strategies, showcasing robust infrastructure and compliance, marks significant growth and credibility in the crypto staking sector.

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• Feb 11, 2:00 PM The Block

  Uniswap Labs launches Unichain, its dedicated Layer 2 blockchain

  Uniswap Labs has launched Unichain, a dedicated Layer 2 blockchain aimed at accelerating Ethereum's rollup-centric roadmap and addressing the fragmentation in the Ethereum ecosystem. This release follows the recent launch of Uniswap V4 and introduces advanced features such as sub-second block times with Rollup-Boost technology and a fair priority model within its gas auctions to reduce maximal extractable value issues, enhancing user experience in the DeFi space.

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• Feb 11, 11:39 AM The Block

  CAR memecoin collapses 97% within 24 hours of launch amid legitimacy concerns

  The Central African Republic's memecoin, CAR, plummeted 96.7% to a low of $0.029 in slightly over 24 hours from its peak at $0.89, driven by concerns about its legitimacy and market viability. Launched as a national experiment to promote unity and development, the launch led to confusion and skepticism, further impacted by broader market instability as seen in the downturn of other meme coins following recent US tariff announcements.

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• Feb 11, 7:12 AM The Block

  OpenSea denies rumors of KYC requirements for speculated token airdrop

  OpenSea has refuted rumors that users will need to complete a know-your-customer (KYC) process to participate in a speculated token airdrop. The rumors, sparked by a leaked website link and discussed widely on the social platform X, were dismissed as false by OpenSea's CEO, Devin Finzer. He clarified that the website was only a test site and the mentioned KYC terms were not intended for any planned airdrop. OpenSea has yet to confirm any plans for a token airdrop.

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• Feb 11, 3:31 AM Cointelegraph

  North Carolina proposes investment in Bitcoin ETPs with new state legislation

  North Carolina has introduced a bill that enables the state treasurer to invest public funds in Bitcoin ETPs, with specific conditions such as each asset having a minimum market capitalization of $750 billion. Speaker of the House Destin Hall and co-sponsor Mike Schietzelt see this as an opportunity for positive yields and technological leadership, aligning with broader trends of states adopting crypto investment strategies.

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• Feb 10, 9:00 AM Nikkei

  Japanese Financial Services Agency moves to regulate crypto assets like securities

  The Japanese Financial Services Agency is planning to regulate crypto assets as financial products similar to securities. This includes potential tax reductions and the approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs. The agency aims to enhance investor protection through increased disclosure requirements and is considering lifting the ban on Bitcoin spot ETFs, with proposed tax rates potentially dropping from 55% to 20%. Details of the regulatory reforms are expected to be officially announced in June, with the revisions likely to be debated in the 2026 ordinary session of the National People's Congress.

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• Feb 10, 8:22 AM CZ

  CZ critiques Binance’s token listing process, calls it 'a bit broken'

  Changpeng Zhao, Binance's founder and former CEO, criticized the crypto exchange's token listing process, calling it 'a bit broken' due to short notice periods causing price fluctuations on decentralized exchanges. Zhao highlighted the problematic four-hour gap between token listing announcements and the actual listing, which leads to speculative trading behavior.

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• Feb 9, 10:21 AM Alon

  Pump.fun co-founder clarifies no plans for token launch amid rumors

  Pump.fun co-founder has dismissed rumors about launching a new token, advising to only trust information from official Pump.fun channels. Despite focusing on product improvement throughout its first year and working on rewarding its users, there's no confirmation of a token launch. Speculation about a potential public offering using the Dutch auction model and collaborations with CEXs arose from an unverified source. Pump.fun has generated substantial fees and has had significant financial transactions with Kraken. Recent legal challenges in the US could also influence the feasibility of a future token issuance.

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• Feb 8, 1:26 PM Cointelegraph

  Coinbase AUM surpasses 21st largest US bank with $420 billion in assets

  Coinbase, a leading global centralized cryptocurrency exchange, now manages over $420 billion in assets, ranking it above the 21st largest bank in the US in terms of assets under management. This comparison highlights Coinbase's significant role and growth within the crypto industry. The company's achievement underscores the expanding influence of crypto platforms in traditional financial sectors.

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• Feb 7, 9:52 PM The Block

  DarkFi alpha release marks the latest project from early Bitcoin developer Amir Taaki

  DarkFi, a privacy-centric crypto initiative led by Amir Taaki, has launched the alpha version of its application, which features strong anonymity through a decentralized architecture and aims to evolve with additional capabilities. The app supports anonymous DAOs, wallets, and operates on a blockchain, emphasizing complete user privacy without registration or identity linkage. Taaki's vision incorporates a user-friendly design accessible across multiple platforms.

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• Feb 7, 3:30 PM Decrypt

  Bitcoin tops $100K before pulling back as US jobs data signals rate uncertainty

  Bitcoin briefly surpassed $100,000 then fell to $98,320 following a mixed US jobs report indicating lower unemployment but slower job growth, which impacted the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions. Other major crypto a like XRP and Ethereum also showed volatility. The overall market reacted to nuances in US economic indicators, influencing crypto prices and investor sentiment.

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• Feb 7, 2:32 PM The Block

  Japan's financial watchdog requests Apple and Google to block unregistered crypto exchanges

  Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has requested Apple and Google to block five unregistered overseas crypto exchanges from their app stores in Japan. The targeted exchanges include Bybit, MEXC Global, LBank Exchange, KuCoin, and Bitget. Apple has removed the apps following the FSA's request, while Google has not yet responded. The request was made to enforce compliance with Japan's Payment Services Act, aimed at preventing unregistered exchanges from operating in the country.

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• Feb 7, 7:57 AM CoinDesk

  DCG's Barry Silbert touts decentralized AI as the next major crypto innovation

  Barry Silbert, the head of crypto conglomerate Digital Currency Group (DCG), claims that decentralized AI (deAI) could surpass Bitcoin in impact, marking it as the forthcoming significant phase in crypto. Emphasising the synergy between AI and blockchain technology, Silbert believes deAI could offer more equitable dividends compared to existing AI systems by giants like OpenAI. DCG has invested heavily in deAI, including $105 million in various projects and supporting infrastructure like Bittensor's ecosystem. Silbert's insights were part of his Q4 shareholder letter, which also marked 2024 as a year of rebuilding and growth for DCG.

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• Feb 7, 3:44 AM The Block

  SEC solicits public comments on Grayscale's Solana ETF

  The SEC is currently soliciting public comments on a proposal by NYSE Arca to list and trade the Grayscale Solana Trust as an exchange-traded product. Public feedback is requested within 21 days from the Federal Register publication, followed by an SEC decision to approve or potentially disapprove the proposal. This move marks a significant step given previous rejections of similar proposals and reflects new developments under the Genz-led SEC and a pro-crypto US administration.

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• Feb 7, 1:49 AM Cointelegraph

  Utah advances Bitcoin reserve bill, potentially a first for US states

  Utah's House has advanced the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill, which aims to allow the state treasurer to allocate up to 5% of certain public funds to BTC and other qualifying digital assets. The bill has passed the House and is now moving to the Senate for further approval.

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