
Infini, a prepaid payments card issuer that offers interest on deposited dollar stablecoins, warned a hacker it had “gathered critical IP and device information” after losing almost all the value locked in its wallets. The attacker drained $49.5 million from the Hong Kong-based neobank`s wallets, according to Peckshield . The company said only on Sunday it had hit $50 million in total value locked . The exploit came just days after Bybit, the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, saw a hacker drain its ether cold wallet and make off with nearly $1.5 billion in crypto`s largest exploit. “We are closely monitoring the address involved and are prepared to take immediate action to freeze any stolen funds if necessary," Infini told the hacker in a blockchain transaction. "In an effort to resolve this matter amicably, we are willing to offer you 20% of the stolen assets should you choose to return the funds.” Infini gave the perpetrator 48 hours to “facilitate a swift resolution,” and that failure to respond means it will “have no choice” but to continue its investigation in collaboration with law enforcement. According to Cyvers , the exploit occurred after a developer who helped set up its smart contract kept admin rights over it. More than three months later, they leveraged these rights and drained the funds to a wallet funded over cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash. The neobank’s founder, Christian Li, has pledged to cover the full loss from his personal funds and took responsibility for the incident.
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Exciting Breakthrough: Canary Funds Files for Spot HBAR ETF in Pursuit of SEC Approval

Get ready for a potential game-changer in the crypto ETF space! The buzz is building as Canary Funds takes a significant step forward by submitting a 19b-4 filing for a spot Hedera (HBAR) ETF. This exciting development, reported by Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, signals a growing momentum for alternative cryptocurrency investment products in the US market. Following a revised S-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Canary HBAR ETF is now in the regulatory spotlight, potentially paving the way for wider adoption of Hedera and the HBAR token. What Does Canary Funds’ Spot HBAR ETF Filing Mean for the Crypto Market? This move by Canary Funds is more than just another filing; it represents a crucial push towards diversifying the crypto ETF landscape beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. For investors eager to explore the potential of altcoins within a regulated and accessible framework, the prospect of a spot HBAR ETF is incredibly appealing. Let’s break down why this filing is significant: Expanding Crypto ETF Horizons: Currently, the US market primarily offers ETFs focused on Bitcoin and Ethereum futures, and recently approved spot Bitcoin ETFs. A spot Hedera ETF would open doors to investment in a wider range of digital assets, offering diversification opportunities and exposure to different blockchain technologies. Confidence in Hedera and HBAR: Canary Funds’ decision to file for a spot HBAR ETF indicates a strong belief in the long-term potential of Hedera and its native cryptocurrency, HBAR. This endorsement from a financial institution can boost investor confidence and attract further attention to the Hedera ecosystem. Increased Accessibility for Investors: ETFs provide a regulated and familiar investment vehicle for both institutional and retail investors. A spot HBAR ETF would make investing in HBAR significantly easier, removing the complexities associated with direct cryptocurrency ownership, custody, and exchange navigation. Potential Market Impact: If approved, the Canary Hedera ETF , trading on Nasdaq, could drive substantial capital inflow into HBAR, potentially impacting its price and overall market capitalization. It could also set a precedent for other altcoin ETFs, further legitimizing the crypto asset class. Why is SEC Approval for a Spot HBAR ETF a Big Deal? Securing SEC approval for any spot crypto ETF has historically been a challenging process. The SEC has been cautious, primarily citing concerns around market manipulation and investor protection. However, the recent approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs signals a potential shift in the regulatory landscape. Why is SEC approval so vital for the Canary HBAR ETF and the broader crypto market? Regulatory Legitimacy: SEC approval provides a stamp of regulatory legitimacy, assuring investors that the ETF meets stringent regulatory standards. This can significantly reduce perceived risk and encourage wider adoption. Investor Protection: The SEC’s regulatory framework is designed to protect investors. An approved spot HBAR ETF would operate under these regulations, offering investors a level of security and transparency not always available in the unregulated crypto market. Institutional Investment: Many institutional investors are restricted from investing directly in cryptocurrencies due to regulatory uncertainties. SEC-approved ETFs provide a compliant and convenient way for institutions to gain exposure to the crypto market, potentially unlocking massive capital inflows. Market Maturity: The approval of spot crypto ETFs, including a potential spot HBAR ETF , signifies a maturing crypto market. It indicates that regulatory bodies are becoming more comfortable with digital assets and are developing frameworks to integrate them into the traditional financial system. Hedera (HBAR) ETF: Leading the Altcoin ETF Race? According to Eric Balchunas, the Canary Funds HBAR ETF and a Litecoin (LTC) ETF are currently leading the pack among altcoin ETF filings in terms of approval odds. This is exciting news for the Hedera community and suggests that HBAR is being recognized as a strong contender in the altcoin space. But what factors contribute to this perceived higher probability of approval? Factor Relevance to HBAR ETF Market Cap and Liquidity HBAR boasts a significant market capitalization and increasing liquidity, making it a more viable candidate for an ETF compared to smaller, less liquid altcoins. Technology and Use Cases Hedera’s unique Hashgraph consensus mechanism and growing adoption across various industries showcase its technological robustness and real-world utility, potentially appealing to regulators. Filing Completeness Canary Funds’ submission of both 19b-4 and revised S-1 filings indicates a comprehensive and proactive approach to meeting regulatory requirements, increasing the chances of a favorable review by the SEC . Market Sentiment Shift Following the spot Bitcoin ETF approvals, there’s a palpable shift in market sentiment and potentially within the SEC, suggesting a greater openness to considering other crypto ETFs. Spot HBAR ETF: What’s Next and What to Expect? While the filing is a major step, the journey to SEC approval is not guaranteed and can take time. Here’s what to watch out for and what to expect in the coming weeks and months: SEC Review Process: The SEC will now begin its review of the 19b-4 filing. This process involves evaluating various aspects of the proposed ETF, including market surveillance, custody arrangements, and potential risks. Public Comment Period: The SEC typically opens a public comment period, allowing industry participants and the public to express their views on the proposed ETF. This feedback can influence the SEC’s decision. Potential Delays and Rejections: It’s important to remember that SEC approval is not guaranteed. The SEC may request further information, delay the decision, or ultimately reject the filing. However, the current climate seems more favorable than in previous years. Nasdaq Listing: If the HBAR ETF receives SEC approval , it is expected to be listed and traded on Nasdaq, providing investors with easy access through traditional brokerage accounts. Conclusion: A Promising Horizon for Hedera and Crypto ETFs Canary Funds’ filing for a spot HBAR ETF marks an exciting and potentially pivotal moment for both Hedera and the broader cryptocurrency ETF market. While SEC approval remains the key hurdle, the progress made so far, coupled with the evolving regulatory landscape, offers a strong sense of optimism. If successful, this could not only provide investors with a new avenue to access HBAR but also pave the way for a more diverse and mature crypto investment ecosystem. Keep a close watch on this developing story – the potential implications are significant! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. CoinDesk

Urgent Crypto Alert: Binance Offloads Significant SOL – Decoding Market Impact
Is the crypto market bracing for another shake-up? Recent buzz suggests a major player is making significant moves. Crypto news account Solid Intel (@solidintel_x) dropped a bombshell on X, reporting that Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, has been actively selling off a substantial chunk of Solana (SOL) tokens. And the method? Apparently, they’re channeling these trades through Wintermute, a well-known market maker. Let’s dive deep into what this could mean for SOL, Binance, and the broader crypto landscape. Why is Binance Selling SOL and What’s the Impact on Solana? The immediate question on everyone’s mind is: why now? Binance hasn’t officially announced any reasons for this apparent sell-off. However, speculation is rife within the crypto community. Some theories include: Profit Taking: SOL has seen a remarkable price surge in recent times. Binance might be capitalizing on these gains to secure profits. Portfolio Rebalancing: Exchanges like Binance constantly manage their digital asset portfolios. Selling SOL could be part of a broader strategy to rebalance their holdings based on market conditions or strategic shifts. Market Sentiment Adjustment: While less likely given SOL’s recent performance, Binance might be anticipating a potential downturn in the Solana ecosystem or the broader crypto market and is preemptively reducing its exposure. Whatever the reason, a large-scale sell-off from a major entity like Binance can have ripple effects on the price of Solana . Increased selling pressure naturally tends to push prices down, at least in the short term. Traders and investors are keenly watching price charts and order books to gauge the true extent of this activity and its potential impact. Wintermute’s Role: Market Maker or Key Player in this Crypto Sell-off? The involvement of Wintermute adds another layer of intrigue to this story. Wintermute is a prominent market maker in the cryptocurrency space. Market makers play a crucial role in providing liquidity to exchanges by consistently placing buy and sell orders. Their function is generally to facilitate trading, not to be the story themselves. However, in this case, Solid Intel’s report specifically highlights Binance using Wintermute to execute these crypto sell-off transactions. This could mean a few things: Discreet Execution: Using a market maker like Wintermute allows Binance to offload a large amount of SOL without causing immediate panic or drastic price drops. Wintermute can execute large trades in smaller chunks over time, minimizing market disruption. Operational Efficiency: Market makers are specialists in trade execution. Binance might be leveraging Wintermute’s expertise and infrastructure for efficient and streamlined selling. Arm’s Length Transaction: By using a third party, Binance might be distancing itself from the direct selling pressure, perhaps for strategic reasons. It’s important to remember that market makers like Wintermute handle massive trading volumes daily for various clients. Their involvement doesn’t automatically imply anything negative or manipulative. However, given the scale and the reporting by Solid Intel, it’s a noteworthy aspect of this Binance activity. Is This a Routine Transaction or a Sign of Broader Market Trends? The crypto market is known for its volatility, and large transactions are not uncommon. The key question is whether this SOL sell-off is simply a routine portfolio adjustment by Binance or if it signals something more significant about the current market environment. Here’s what to consider: Factor Potential Interpretation Market Context The overall crypto market sentiment is currently mixed. While some cryptocurrencies are experiencing bullish trends, uncertainty and caution remain prevalent due to macroeconomic factors and regulatory developments. SOL Performance Solana has been a star performer in recent months, recovering significantly from previous lows and attracting renewed investor interest. This strength could make it an attractive asset to take profits on. Binance Strategy Binance is a global exchange with diverse operations. Their actions are often driven by complex strategic considerations that are not always immediately apparent. Wintermute’s Role While facilitating the trades, Wintermute’s actions are likely dictated by Binance’s instructions. Their involvement primarily points to efficient trade execution. Ultimately, without official confirmation from Binance, we can only speculate on the exact reasons behind this crypto sell-off . However, the fact that it’s being reported and discussed widely underscores the importance of staying informed and vigilant in the fast-paced crypto world. Actionable Insights: What Should Crypto Investors Do? In light of this news, what should crypto investors and traders consider? Monitor SOL Price Action: Keep a close eye on Solana’s price movements in the coming hours and days. Increased volatility is possible. Review Portfolio Allocation: Assess your own portfolio exposure to SOL and consider if any adjustments are needed based on your risk tolerance and market outlook. Stay Informed: Follow reputable crypto news sources and analysts for further updates and insights on this developing story. Consider DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging): If you believe in the long-term potential of Solana, market dips caused by events like this can present buying opportunities for those using a DCA strategy. Manage Risk: Always trade and invest responsibly, especially in volatile markets. Never invest more than you can afford to lose. Conclusion: Navigating the Unpredictable Crypto Seas The report of Binance selling a significant amount of SOL through Wintermute serves as a stark reminder of the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency market. While the exact motivations behind Binance’s actions remain unclear, the news highlights the interconnectedness of the crypto ecosystem and the potential impact of large players’ movements on individual assets like Solana . For crypto enthusiasts and investors, staying informed, adaptable, and prepared for market fluctuations is paramount. Whether this is a minor market ripple or a precursor to a larger trend remains to be seen. Keep watching, keep learning, and navigate these crypto seas with caution and insight. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping crypto price action. CoinDesk