Federal prosecutors said Brian Garry Sewell defrauded investors of nearly $3 million and ran an unlicensed cash-to-crypto business that moved more than $5 million.
BitcoinWorld EUR/USD Forecast: UBS Reveals Compelling 1.20 Prediction for 2025 ZURICH, March 2025 – In a significant move for global currency markets, UBS Group AG has issued a detailed forecast projecting the EUR/USD pair to reach 1.20 within the coming year. This prediction arrives amid a complex backdrop of shifting monetary policies and evolving economic fundamentals. Consequently, traders and institutions are scrutinizing the analysis for its potential market impact. UBS EUR/USD Forecast: The Core Economic Thesis UBS analysts base their 1.20 EUR/USD forecast on a confluence of macroeconomic factors. Primarily, they anticipate a narrowing divergence between the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. The U.S. central bank has signaled a potential pause in its tightening cycle. Meanwhile, the ECB maintains a relatively more hawkish stance to combat persistent, albeit easing, inflationary pressures. Furthermore, relative growth dynamics play a crucial role. UBS expects a mild slowdown in U.S. economic momentum. In contrast, the Eurozone may demonstrate resilient growth, supported by recovering consumer confidence and strategic fiscal initiatives. This growth differential could bolster the euro’s relative strength. Monetary Policy Convergence as a Key Driver The path of interest rates remains the paramount factor for the EUR/USD exchange rate. UBS economists project the Federal Reserve will initiate a measured cutting cycle in late 2025. Simultaneously, the European Central Bank may delay its own rate cuts. This policy convergence, or even a brief period of ECB policy being tighter on a relative basis, supports euro appreciation against the dollar. Historical data underscores this relationship. For instance, the 2017 EUR/USD rally to 1.25 coincided with ECB tapering and Fed patience. Current conditions show a similar, though distinct, policy recalibration. The table below summarizes the expected policy shifts: Central Bank 2024 Policy Stance 2025 UBS Projection Federal Reserve (Fed) Restrictive, High Rates Dovish Shift, Rate Cuts European Central Bank (ECB) Cautiously Hawkish Extended Hold, Then Cuts Geopolitical and Structural Factors Supporting the Euro Beyond cyclical policies, structural elements underpin UBS’s bullish euro outlook. The Eurozone’s current account surplus provides a fundamental buffer. This surplus indicates the region exports more than it imports, generating consistent euro demand. Additionally, reduced geopolitical risk premiums within Europe, compared to previous years, enhance the currency’s safe-haven appeal. Energy security represents another critical factor. The Eurozone has successfully diversified its energy supplies since 2022. Therefore, the euro is less vulnerable to sudden energy price shocks. This stability improves the long-term investment case for euro-denominated assets. Current Account Surplus: Persistent trade strength supports euro demand. Energy Diversification: Reduced vulnerability supports economic stability. Fiscal Coordination: Improved EU cohesion mitigates fragmentation risks. Potential Risks to the 1.20 EUR/USD Forecast UBS analysts clearly acknowledge several downside risks. A sharper-than-expected U.S. recession could trigger global risk aversion. Historically, this scenario often boosts demand for the U.S. dollar as a global reserve currency. Conversely, a resurgence of inflation in the Eurozone could force the ECB into more aggressive tightening. This action might stifle growth and ultimately weaken the euro. Political uncertainty within major Eurozone economies also presents a challenge. However, recent electoral outcomes have generally supported policy continuity. Market participants will monitor these developments closely throughout 2025. Historical Context and Market Implications The EUR/USD pair has traded within a broad range over the past decade. A move to 1.20 would represent a significant appreciation from levels near parity seen in 2022. Such a shift carries substantial implications. European exporters would face competitiveness challenges. Meanwhile, U.S. multinationals with European earnings would see a translation boost. For investors, a stronger euro alters global asset allocation. It potentially enhances the returns of Eurozone equities for dollar-based investors. Currency hedging costs for global portfolios would also require reassessment. Portfolio managers are already adjusting their strategic currency overlays based on this outlook. Conclusion UBS’s EUR/USD forecast of 1.20 presents a data-driven outlook centered on monetary policy convergence and improving Eurozone fundamentals. While risks persist, the analysis highlights a clear path for euro strength against the U.S. dollar in 2025. Market participants should monitor Fed and ECB communications, growth data, and geopolitical developments. These factors will ultimately validate or challenge this significant currency prediction. FAQs Q1: What is the main reason UBS predicts EUR/USD at 1.20? The primary driver is an expected convergence in monetary policy, with the Fed likely cutting rates while the ECB holds steady, narrowing the interest rate differential that has favored the dollar. Q2: How does the Eurozone’s current account affect the EUR/USD exchange rate? A sustained current account surplus means the Eurozone exports more than it imports, creating inherent demand for euros to pay for those exports, which provides fundamental support for the currency’s value. Q3: What is the biggest risk that could prevent EUR/USD from reaching 1.20? A severe global risk-off event, such as a deep U.S. recession, could trigger a flight to the U.S. dollar’s safe-haven status, overwhelming the policy divergence thesis and strengthening the dollar. Q4: How would a 1.20 EUR/USD rate impact European businesses? European exporters would find their goods more expensive for overseas buyers, potentially hurting sales. Conversely, European companies that import raw materials or components in dollars would see their costs decrease. Q5: Has UBS been accurate with past EUR/USD forecasts? Like all major banks, UBS’s forecasts are based on prevailing data and models and are subject to change. Their analysis is respected in the market, but currency predictions are inherently uncertain and should be viewed as a reasoned outlook, not a guarantee. This post EUR/USD Forecast: UBS Reveals Compelling 1.20 Prediction for 2025 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Google will require proof of FIU registration acceptance for crypto apps, raising compliance hurdles for offshore exchanges serving South Korean users.
BitcoinWorld KuCoin Ranks Among Top Three Exchanges by Market Share Growth in TokenInsight’s 2025 Annual Report KCS Records Counter-Cyclical Gains as KuCoin Leads the Industry in Spot Market Share Growth PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands , Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency platform built on trust, has been recognized as one of the top three exchanges by annual market share growth in TokenInsight’s newly released 2025 Cryptocurrency Exchange Annual Report . The report highlights KuCoin’s strong performance across multiple core indicators, underscoring its ability to deliver resilient growth amid an increasingly competitive and volatile market environment. Market Share Growth Ranks Top Three Industry-Wide According to TokenInsight’s analysis of major centralized exchanges (CEXs), KuCoin’s average market share achieved significant year-on-year growth in 2025, positioning the platform among the top three exchanges globally in terms of annual market share growth. As competition intensified and market concentration among leading platforms continued to fluctuate, KuCoin stood out as one of the few exchanges to achieve sustained positive growth, reflecting the long-term strength of its product structure, asset offerings, and global user base. KCS Delivers Counter-Cyclical Performance, Ranking Top Three by Annual Price Growth While many exchange tokens faced downward pressure throughout 2025, KuCoin’s native token, KCS, delivered a counter-cyclical performance, ranking among the top three exchange tokens by annual price appreciation, trailing only OKB and BNB. TokenInsight’s data shows that KCS maintained relatively stable performance over the year and was among the limited number of platform tokens to achieve positive annual returns, highlighting continued market confidence in KuCoin’s ecosystem, strategic direction, and underlying fundamentals. KuCoin Leads the Industry in Spot Market Share Growth KuCoin’s momentum was particularly evident in the spot market. TokenInsight data indicates that between January and December 2025, KuCoin recorded a net increase of 5.83% in spot market share, ranking first among all major centralized exchanges. This growth was driven by KuCoin’s ongoing investment in spot asset availability, liquidity optimization, and global market coverage, further strengthening its position within the global spot trading landscape. Building Long-Term Value Through Disciplined Growth TokenInsight noted that 2025 marked a period of accelerated differentiation within the exchange sector, with market share dynamics and exchange token performance increasingly reflecting platforms’ long-term operational capabilities and user trust. KuCoin’s strong showing across multiple key indicators demonstrates the effectiveness of its long-term, disciplined approach to platform development amid cyclical market fluctuations. KuCoin stated that it will continue to prioritize security, compliance, and user experience, advancing the sustainable growth of its ecosystem and delivering stable and high-quality digital asset services to users worldwide. About KuCoin Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform trusted by over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. The platform delivers innovative and compliant digital-asset services, offering access to 1,000+ listed tokens, spot and futures trading, institutional wealth management, and a Web3 wallet. Recognized by Forbes and Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, underscoring its commitment to top-tier security. With AUSTRAC registration in Australia and a MiCA license in Austria, KuCoin continues expanding its regulated footprint under CEO BC Wong, building a reliable and trusted digital-asset ecosystem. Learn more: www.kucoin.com This post KuCoin Ranks Among Top Three Exchanges by Market Share Growth in TokenInsight’s 2025 Annual Report first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
While most attention in recent months has focused on publicly traded miners racing to add hashrate or pivot toward AI, one of the fastest-growing bitcoin mining operations has expanded largely outside the spotlight. This article first appeared in Miner Weekly, Blocksbridge Consulting’s weekly newsletter curating the latest news in bitcoin mining and data analysis from
The recovery may continue as long as Bitcoin achieves a daily close above $98,000, with the technical setup projecting 18% gains ahead.
BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Institutional Investment Soars as Digital Wealth Partners Entrusts $250M to Two Prime Institutional confidence in Bitcoin reaches new heights as Digital Wealth Partners announces a landmark $250 million BTC management agreement with digital asset fund Two Prime, marking a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency investment maturation in early 2025. Digital Wealth Partners Bitcoin Investment Signals Institutional Shift Digital Wealth Partners (DWP), a registered investment advisory firm specializing in digital assets, has transferred $250 million in Bitcoin to Two Prime for professional management. This substantial allocation represents one of the largest publicly disclosed mandates from a traditional investment advisor to a dedicated crypto fund. Consequently, the partnership demonstrates growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin as a core asset class. Moreover, the transaction highlights the evolving infrastructure supporting large-scale digital asset investments. Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, DWP operates under strict regulatory oversight. The firm’s decision follows months of due diligence on custody solutions, risk management frameworks, and performance track records. Two Prime emerged as the selected partner due to its institutional-grade security protocols and transparent reporting systems. Additionally, the fund employs quantitative strategies specifically designed for Bitcoin’s unique volatility profile. Institutional Crypto Adoption Accelerates in 2025 The cryptocurrency investment landscape continues maturing rapidly throughout 2025. Traditional financial institutions increasingly allocate capital to digital assets. Several factors drive this institutional shift: Regulatory clarity improves in major jurisdictions Custody solutions achieve enterprise security standards Market infrastructure supports billion-dollar transactions Performance data demonstrates Bitcoin’s diversification benefits Furthermore, institutional participation changes market dynamics significantly. Trading volumes stabilize while volatility decreases during accumulation periods. Professional managers also implement sophisticated hedging strategies previously unavailable. The table below illustrates key differences between 2021 and 2025 institutional approaches: Aspect 2021 Institutional Approach 2025 Institutional Approach Allocation Size Typically under $50M Regularly exceeds $100M Custody Solution Mixed third-party providers Dedicated institutional platforms Investment Horizon Short-term speculation Multi-year strategic holding Risk Management Basic position sizing Advanced derivatives hedging Expert Analysis of the Evolving Digital Asset Management Sector Financial analysts observe several important trends following this announcement. First, registered investment advisors increasingly serve as gateways for traditional capital entering cryptocurrency markets. These regulated entities provide familiar frameworks for high-net-worth clients. Second, specialized digital asset managers like Two Prime develop competitive advantages through focused expertise. They outperform generalist investment firms in crypto-specific strategies. The partnership also reflects broader macroeconomic conditions. Institutional investors seek inflation-resistant assets amid persistent monetary expansion. Bitcoin’s fixed supply and decentralized nature appeal to portfolio managers diversifying away from traditional currencies. Additionally, blockchain transparency provides audit trails superior to many conventional investments. Two Prime’s Digital Asset Management Strategy Two Prime employs a multi-faceted approach to managing large Bitcoin allocations. The fund combines active trading with long-term holding strategies. Risk management protocols automatically trigger during market stress events. Furthermore, the firm utilizes proprietary algorithms to optimize entry and exit timing. These systems analyze on-chain data, market sentiment, and macroeconomic indicators. The $250 million mandate will reportedly utilize several specific strategies: Core Bitcoin position maintained as foundational holding Yield generation through regulated lending platforms Volatility harvesting via options strategies Cross-exchange arbitrage capturing price discrepancies Two Prime’s institutional focus distinguishes it from retail-oriented crypto funds. The firm maintains relationships with multiple prime brokers and custodians. This redundancy ensures operational continuity during market disruptions. Additionally, the fund provides daily transparency reports to clients like Digital Wealth Partners. Regulatory Environment for Cryptocurrency Advisory Services Registered investment advisors face specific regulatory requirements when handling digital assets. The SEC provides guidance on custody rules for cryptocurrencies. Advisors must ensure proper safeguarding of client funds. They also need to provide adequate risk disclosures about market volatility and technological risks. Digital Wealth Partners navigates this regulatory landscape carefully. The firm’s registration status requires compliance with the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. This includes fiduciary duty to clients and thorough due diligence on service providers. DWP’s selection process for Two Prime involved months of operational reviews. The advisory firm examined security audits, insurance coverage, and compliance procedures. This rigorous approach sets standards for the emerging digital asset advisory sector. Impact on Bitcoin Market Structure and Liquidity Large institutional allocations influence Bitcoin’s market structure substantially. Order book depth improves as professional managers provide consistent liquidity. Market efficiency increases through sophisticated trading strategies. Furthermore, institutional participation encourages infrastructure development. Exchanges enhance security measures and reporting capabilities. Custodians develop insurance products specifically for digital assets. The $250 million allocation represents approximately 0.1% of Bitcoin’s total market capitalization. While seemingly small, such transactions create ripple effects throughout the ecosystem. Other institutional investors monitor early movers like Digital Wealth Partners. Successful implementations encourage additional allocations. This creates positive feedback loops supporting further market maturation. Future Outlook for Institutional Bitcoin Investment The Digital Wealth Partners and Two Prime partnership establishes important precedents. Other registered investment advisors will likely follow similar paths. Pension funds and endowments may increase allocations following successful implementations. Insurance companies might add Bitcoin to investment portfolios as regulatory clarity improves. Several developments could accelerate institutional adoption further: Spot Bitcoin ETF approvals providing familiar investment vehicles Accounting standards clarifying digital asset valuation Tax guidance simplifying compliance for institutions International coordination creating consistent regulatory frameworks Market participants should monitor several key metrics. Institutional custody balances provide insight into capital flows. Futures open interest indicates hedging activity. Options volumes reveal risk management strategies. These indicators collectively paint a picture of institutional engagement levels. Conclusion Digital Wealth Partners’ $250 million Bitcoin allocation to Two Prime represents a milestone for institutional cryptocurrency investment. The transaction demonstrates growing confidence in digital asset infrastructure and management capabilities. Furthermore, it signals broader acceptance of Bitcoin within traditional finance. As regulatory frameworks mature and institutional-grade solutions proliferate, additional capital will likely follow this pioneering move. The partnership between a registered investment advisor and specialized digital asset fund establishes a model others may emulate, accelerating the integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream investment portfolios. FAQs Q1: What is Digital Wealth Partners? Digital Wealth Partners is a registered investment advisory firm specializing in digital assets. The SEC-regulated company provides investment advice to clients seeking cryptocurrency exposure. Q2: How much Bitcoin did Digital Wealth Partners allocate to Two Prime? The firm entrusted $250 million worth of Bitcoin to Two Prime for professional management. This represents one of the largest publicly disclosed institutional allocations to a dedicated crypto fund. Q3: Why is this partnership significant for Bitcoin adoption? The transaction signals growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin as an asset class. It demonstrates that regulated investment advisors can securely manage substantial cryptocurrency allocations for clients. Q4: What strategies will Two Prime use to manage the Bitcoin? Two Prime will employ multiple strategies including core Bitcoin holding, yield generation through lending, volatility harvesting via options, and cross-exchange arbitrage to optimize returns. Q5: How does this affect the broader cryptocurrency market? Large institutional allocations improve market liquidity and efficiency. They encourage infrastructure development and provide validation that encourages other institutional investors to consider cryptocurrency allocations. This post Bitcoin Institutional Investment Soars as Digital Wealth Partners Entrusts $250M to Two Prime first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Belarus has taken a formal step toward integrating digital assets into its financial system with President Alexander Lukashenko signing a decree that introduces a framework for crypto banks, according to the Belarusian state news agency BELTA . Lukashenko signed Decree No. 19, titled “On Crypto Banks and Certain Issues of Control in the Sphere of Digital Tokens,” on January 16. The document aims to reinforce Belarus’s positioning as a hub for financial IT innovation while creating regulated conditions for crypto banking activity within the country. Defining Crypto Banks Under Belarusian Law According to the report the decree formally defines a crypto bank as a joint-stock company authorised to combine digital token operations with traditional banking, payment and related financial services. Under the new framework crypto banks will be able to offer products that integrate blockchain-based instruments alongside conventional financial operations. To be eligible to operate a crypto bank must hold resident status within Belarus’s High-Tech Park (HTP), a special economic zone designed to attract technology and innovation-focused businesses. The eligible entities must also be included in a dedicated crypto bank registry maintained by the National Bank of Belarus. Dual Regulatory Oversight Introduced BELTA reports that crypto banks will be subject to a dual regulatory structure. They must also comply with legislation applicable to non-bank credit and financial institutions, crypto banks must also adhere to decisions issued by the Supervisory Board of the High-Tech Park. This layered approach is designed to make sure that innovation in digital finance is accompanied by appropriate oversight. Authorities say the framework allows crypto banks to deliver technologically advanced services while maintaining regulatory standards comparable to those governing traditional financial institutions. Blending Traditional Banking and Digital Assets Officials say the decree is intended to allow crypto banks to offer clients a hybrid set of financial products that combine the stability of classical banking with the efficiency and speed of token-based transactions. Under the new rules crypto banks may facilitate digital asset operations while providing access to banking and payment services positioning them as intermediaries between traditional finance and the digital asset economy. Belarus’s Fintech Ambitions The decree is in line with Belarus’s long-standing ambition to establish itself as a leader in financial technology development. Since the creation of the High-Tech Park the country has sought to attract blockchain and crypto-focused companies by offering favourable legal and tax regimes. By introducing a formal crypto banking model, Belarus is seeking to move beyond crypto experimentation and toward a more structured financial ecosystem that incorporates digital tokens within regulated banking operations. Belarus Prioritizes Crypto Mining In November, President Aleksandr Lukashenko positioned crypto mining as a strategic pathway toward reducing global dollar dependency, announcing aggressive expansion plans during a government meeting on energy policy. Belarus expands crypto mining infrastructure on nuclear power as global de-dollarization efforts accelerate Bitcoin adoption across multiple regions. https://t.co/VgmA4l2prK — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) November 15, 2025 The directive builds on previous commitments to transform the country’s surplus nuclear power capacity into a competitive advantage for digital asset production. At the same time, broader geopolitical trends accelerate de-dollarization across multiple continents. According to a local report , Lukashenko dismissed concerns about market volatility during the November 14 meeting in Minsk, framing crypto as an inevitable component of international efforts to establish monetary alternatives. The post Belarus Moves to Establish Legal Framework for Crypto Banks: Report appeared first on Cryptonews .