Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Blockchain, Crypto, Digital Assets, Tokens, CBDCs, Stablecoins, Metaverse, NFTs
Bitcoin Reaches All Time High as ETF Options Go Live
Investing | Nov 20, 2024
Image: Freepik, Bitcoin hologram
Bitcoin ETF Options Are Live and What It Means for Canadian Investors
Bitcoin surged its all-time-high (ATH) at almost $95,000 USD this week, pushed higher in part by the launch of options trading on Bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Blackrock and Grayscale have greenlit options offering investors the ability to hedge and speculate on the price of Bitcoin. Can Canadian investors access these options, and what does it mean for their portfolios?
See: How Fintechs Are Unlocking Value in Private Markets 2024
Bloomberg analyst is citing massive pent-up demand for such products. Big players are having a huge and immediate impact:
- Blackrock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) launched its options on Nov. 19, generating $1.9 billion in trading volume on day one with 289,000 calls and 65,000 puts signalling optimism about Bitcoin's price, representing 1% of all options traded on Nasdaq on the first day.
- Options for the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) and Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC) are going live today.
- Other Bitcoin ETF players like Bitwise, ARK 21Shares, and Fidelity will be entering the options market soon.
Understanding Bitcoin ETF Options
- Bitcoin ETF options are financial contracts that let investors buy or sell a Bitcoin ETF at a set price before a certain date.
- Traders use these options to manage risk against Bitcoin's volatile price swings.
- Traders can make smaller investments that can lead to bigger returns using leverage.
- They can also speculate on price changes without actually owning Bitcoin directly.
Can Canadians Trade Bitcoin ETF Options?
Yes, with some restrictions.
- Options like BlackRock’s IBIT are listed on U.S. exchange platforms. Canadians can trade these through brokers offering access to U.S. markets like Wealthsimple or Questrade.
See: A Look Inside 2024 DIY Investing Trends in Canada
- Although Canada launched Bitcon ETFs first, Bitcoin ETF options for Canadian listed funds like Purpose Bitcoin ETF are not available locally. As Canadian exchanges catch up they may offer similar products soon.
- Canadians must ensure they follow local rules and understand how foreign exchange trades affect their taxes to remain compliant.
Conclusion
Bitcoin ETF options blend the flexibility of digital assets with the familiarity of traditional markets. While Bitcoin ETF options are not yet available in Canada, Canadian investors can access these trades with brokers offering access to U.S. markets to enable traders to hedge risk, speculate, and diversify their portfolios while opening up more opportunities for Canadians to participate in crypto's fintech boom.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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MicroStrategy Makes Record $4.6 Billion Bitcoin Purchase
Bitcoin | Nov 18, 2o24
Image: Freepik
Michael Saylor Doubles Down on Crypto Dominance, Becomes Largest Institutional Holder of Bitcoin
Between November 11 and 17, 2024, MicroStrategy led by bitcoin maximalist Michael Saylor acquired 51,780 bitcoins at an approximate cost of $4.6 billion. To fund the purchase, MicroStrategy sold 13.6 million shares of its own stock which benefited from strong stock performance, allowing the company to raise the necessary funds without taking on additional debt. This strategy is now the hallmark of Saylor's bitcoin investment approach.
See: 3 Bitcoin Indicators You Should Know About
Since its latest acquisition, MicroStrategy now owns a total of 331,200 bitcoins (average purchase price of $50,000) which are currently worth $30 billion based on market prices and making MicroStrategy the largest institutional holder of bitcoin in the world.
Stock Performance
MicroStrategy’s sole-focus on Bitcoin has boosted its stock price significantly. Since the U.S. presidential election earlier this month, the company’s shares (MSTR) have jumped over 50%, outpacing the performance of Bitcoin itself, which rose 30% during the same time. Investors are feeling optimistic because the newly elected administration supports cryptocurrency, boosting confidence to companies and investors involved in the crypto space.
Although MicroStrategy’s bold Bitcoin strategy has generated big rewards for investors recently, it comes with risks. Since the company’s value is joined at the hip with Bitcoin’s price, a sharp drop in the price of BTC or broad cryptocurrency market could quickly hurt its financial position. Also, some analysts have cautioned that the premium investors are willing to pay for MicroStrategy's stock may decline if market sentiment turns negative.
See: Coinbase Launches COIN50 Index of Top 50 Cryptos
Michael Saylor is one of Bitcoin's most influential and vocal advocates calling it a superior store of value compared to traditional assets. He has outlined plans to even further expand MicroStrategy's Bitcoin holdings by selling more shares in the future and further betting on bitcoin's long term potential.
Outlook
Michael Saylor's bitcoin acquisition strategy is both innovative and risky. While the strategy has been successful so far, it ties the company’s future closely to Bitcoin’s unpredictable price volatility.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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18 States Sue SEC for Regulatory Overreach on Crypto
Crypto Regulation | Nov 15, 2024
AI image
18 U.S. States Coalition Sue the SEC for Regulatory Overreach and Stifling Crypto Innovation
As reported by the Defiant, and in a surprising move (given that the new Trump administration is taking the reigns soon), an 18 U.S. state coalition led by Kentucky Attorney General, Russell Coleman, joined forces with the DeFi Education fund and filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including Chair Gary Gensler and Commissioners for the agency's controversial crypto enforcement practices which they see as federal overreach.
Plaintiffs:
“The SEC has sought to unilaterally wrest regulatory authority away from the states through enforcement actions targeting the digital asset industry."
Key Challenges in the Lawsuit
- Federal Overreach and the Howey Test
The plaintiffs argue that the SEC’s reliance on the Howey Test (1946 framework for defining securities) is outdated and misapplied to modern digital assets. A July 2023 court ruling in the Ripple case reinforced this argument finding that XRP’s secondary market transactions did not qualify as securities. - Lack of Regulatory Clarity
The crypto industry has long criticized the SEC for failing to provide clear guidelines (even one of its own commissioners and defendants in the lawsuit agrees with this). Since 2021 crypto firms have spent over $429 million on litigation who are forced to operate in a legal gray area. - Economic Impact
The lawsuit goes on to say that the SECs actions limited the economic growth of the the digital asset sector, which currently valued at over $3 trillion has been a game changer in financial inclusion and job creation.
Gensler’s Leadership Under Fire
Under Gensler's leadership at the SEC, the agency handed out major enforcement actions against big players like Coinbase, Kraken, Uniswap, and Ripple. However Gensler's regulate by enforcement approach faced pushback with some of its own commissioners including Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda criticizing the focus on enforcement instead of clear rules. SEC Chair Gary Gensler recently defended his approach and tough stance on crypto, replying that 'significant investor harm has occurred' in crypto.
Regulatory Outlook for Crypto?
The new incoming administration could bring big changes to how crypto is regulated in the U.S. As part of his campaign platform, President-elect Donald Trump, promised to remove Gensler on his first day in office and appoint officials who support crypto.
See: Inside Federal Securities Laws and Crypto’s Tightrope
Conclusion
As lawsuits continue through the court system, the key question is how federal agencies and/or state governments will shape the future of crypto in America. The outcome will impact innovation, investor protection, and the global competitiveness of crypto markets for years to come.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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DeFi Technologies Eyes Nasdaq Listing and Global Expansion
DeFi | Nov 15, 2024
Image: Freepik
DeFi Technologies Targets Nasdaq Listing Amid Strong Q3 Growth
DeFi Technologies Inc., a Canadian player in the world of decentralized finance (DeFi) continues its plans to have its shares traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market while confirming solid Q3 financial results in a press release update on November 14, 2024.
Key Updates for Q4 2024
Nasdaq Listing Progress
The company filed a registration document known as Form 40 F to the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 16th in the year 2024. Once all necessary regulatory and listing approvals are finalized, the listing is anticipated to improve access and attract more global investors, cementing DeFi Technologies' role as a leading player in the digital asset sector.
See: CFTC Publishes DeFi Report for Policymakers and Industry
Valour's Debt-Free Growth
- Assets under management touched $1.1 billion CAD as of Nov 13, 2024 (900% increase since late 2022).
- Valour plans to grow its ETP range from 28 to 40 products by year end (and targeting 100 products by end 2025).
- Seeking regulatory approvals to expand to new markets including Asia, Middle East, and North Africa.
- Paid off all outstanding debt in October 2024 ($36.5 million USD) for greater flexibility to support innovation and growth plans.
Stillman Digital Integration
- Improved trading capabilities by acquiring Stillman Digital, a liquidity provider in the market with a trade volume exceeding $20 billion USD.
- Stillman projects $6.7 million USD revenue in 2024 and has plans to diversify into custody services, foreign exchange, and proprietary trading in 2025.
Outlook
This milestone is a big achievement for a Canadian fintech with potential to lead in the next wave of global financial innovation. With its debt-free status and future plans, DeFi Technologies is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing demand for decentralized finance solutions.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Coinbase Launches COIN50 Index of Top 50 Cryptos
Investing | Nov 14, 2024
Image: Coinbase COIN50 Index
Stay on Top of the Market with COIN50, A New Standard for Monitoring Top Crypto Assets
US-based crypto exchange, Coinbase, has introduced the COIN50 Index that simplifies the analysis and sentiment of crypto markets by providing investors with a clear snapshot of the market at any given time. While COIN50 itself isn’t an investment product, it acts as a benchmark for the top 50 crypto assets on Coinbase, spread across different segments of the crypto economy.
See: The Agentic Web Begins. Coinbase Launches ‘Base Agent’
Why the COIN50 Index Matters
Crypto markets are complex and can be tricky to track as they are volatile and can change in a heart beat. The COIN50 Index changes this by offering a broader look at a diverse selection of the top 50 assets to benefit investors.
- It's another indicator tool for investors interested in quickly tracking the overall sentiment of the crypto market to determine the best times to buy or sell.
- COIN50 covers a diverse range of digital asset types from foundational tokens to DeFi and emerging sectors.
- If COIN50 shows strong performance across the top 50 assets, it might signal a good time to diversify rather than focus on a single coin. So it can be helpful to investors looking to balance their portfolios.
- Uses a structured process to select which assets are included in the index. It chooses tokens based on economic design, blockchain structure, and security. This helps ensure that only high-quality assets are part of the index.
- COIN50 is rebalanced quarterly so it can adapt to changing market conditions as necessary.
See: Coinbase Teams Up with CFL as Crypto Scores Big in Canada
While investors can't invest directly in COIN50, Coinbase has launched COIN50 perpetual futures (COIN50-PERP) for institutional investors in qualifying jurisdictions and is available on both Coinbase International Exchange and Coinbase Advanced.
Conclusion
Similar to traditional indices like the S&P 500, COIN50 is a new benchmarking index and trusted reference point for investors looking to gauge market sentiment and keep up with the fast paced crypto markets. Check out the COIN50 guide or COIN50 whitepaper to learn more.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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3 Bitcoin Indicators You Should Know About
Nov 14, 2024
Image: Unsplash/Markus Spiske
Understanding bitcoin price trends and movements can feel like navigating a maze. Price swings are frequent, and the cryptocurrency market moves faster than almost any other asset class. However, by keeping an eye on a few tried-and-true indicators, you can gain insights into Bitcoin’s market behavior and make better-informed decisions.
In this article, we'll cover three essential Bitcoin indicators: the Bitcoin Power Law, the 200-Day Moving Average (200-MA), and the Relative Strength Index (RSI). Whether you’re new to bitcoin or looking to sharpen your trading toolkit, these indicators will give you a tools for tracking bitcoin’s price.
Bitcoin Power Law
The BTC Power Law is a model that attempts to chart bitcoin’s price over the long term by placing it within a power-law corridor. This corridor includes upper and lower boundaries, creating a channel in which bitcoin’s price is expected to fluctuate over time.
Unlike linear or exponential models, which can either underestimate or overestimate bitcoin’s growth, the power law is more flexible and realistic, capturing bitcoin’s unique blend of rapid price appreciation and cyclical corrections.
The Bitcoin Power Law is particularly helpful for long-term investors who want to understand bitcoin’s broader price trajectory. It suggests that bitcoin’s price will fluctuate within this channel, oscillating between overvaluation at the top of the corridor and undervaluation at the bottom.
This model reinforces the view that bitcoin’s price will continue to appreciate in the long term, but it will do so in cycles with periods of volatility and correction.
The Bitcoin Power Law can be a helpful tool for timing major investment moves:
- Long-term buy and hold: When bitcoin’s price approaches the lower boundary of the power-law corridor, it indicates extreme undervaluation, which can be a strong buy signal for long-term investors. Conversely, it might be a good time to take profits when it's at the top.
- Price oscillations: The power-law corridor helps investors understand that bitcoin’s price will naturally oscillate within certain limits, making it easier to avoid panic-selling during price dips or chasing during parabolic rises.
Let’s say bitcoin is trading near the bottom of the Bitcoin Power Law corridor, showing a potential opportunity for long-term buyers. Historically, buying near the lower end of this channel has led to significant returns as Bitcoin’s price eventually moves back toward the upper boundary. Conversely, if bitcoin is pushing against the upper limit, it might be time to consider locking in profits before a possible correction.
200-Day Moving Average (200-MA)
The 200-Day Moving Average, or 200-MA, is a long-term trend indicator that averages bitcoin's closing price over the past 200 days. Moving averages help smooth out price data, making it easier to spot trends by filtering out day-to-day price fluctuations.
The 200-day moving average is considered a benchmark indicator in financial markets. When bitcoin's price is above the 200-MA, it’s generally a sign of a bullish or upward trend. When it’s below, it suggests a bearish or downward trend. For many traders and investors, this line acts as a dividing line between bullish and bearish market sentiment.
The 200-MA can be valuable in assessing bitcoin’s market health:
- Support and resistance: The 200-MA can act as a support or resistance level. For example, if bitcoin’s price approaches the 200-day moving average from above, it often bounces off this level, indicating strong support. Conversely, if bitcoin drops below the 200-MA, it could signal a shift into a bear market.
- Buy and sell signals: Many investors and traders use the 200-MA to time their entry and exit points. A common strategy is to buy bitcoin when it moves above the 200-day moving average, expecting further gains. Conversely, if it dips below the 200-MA, some may choose to sell or reduce their exposure.
Imagine bitcoin’s price has been consistently above the 200-MA for months, indicating a strong bull market. Suddenly, it crosses below the 200-MA. This crossover can signal a potential bear market, encouraging investors to proceed cautiously. On the flip side, when bitcoin breaks back above the 200-MA, it often suggests a renewed uptrend, signaling buying opportunities.
Relative Strength Index (RSI)
The Relative Strength Index, or RSI, is a momentum indicator that measures the speed and change of bitcoin's recent price movements.
RSI values range from 0 to 100 and help identify overbought or oversold conditions in the market. Generally, an RSI reading above 70 is considered overbought, suggesting the asset could be due for a pullback. Conversely, an RSI below 30 is considered oversold, implying it might be undervalued and due for a bounce.
RSI is particularly useful for spotting potential trend reversals. It helps traders understand whether the current price momentum is likely to continue or if it’s nearing exhaustion. Since bitcoin is a highly volatile asset, RSI can provide insights into short-term price movements, helping investors avoid entering at extreme levels.
There are several ways to interpret RSI:
- Overbought and oversold levels: An RSI above 70 indicates that bitcoin might be overbought, suggesting it could be time for a correction. If the RSI drops below 30, it signals oversold conditions and potential for an upward move.
- Divergence: RSI divergence occurs when bitcoin’s price and RSI move in opposite directions. For example, if bitcoin’s price is reaching new highs but RSI is declining, this could be a warning of an impending reversal. Similarly, if bitcoin’s price is falling while RSI is rising, it may signal that the downward trend is weakening.
Suppose bitcoin is trading at $30,000, and RSI has hit 75, indicating overbought conditions. This could mean that the price is overextended and likely to pull back in the short term. By being mindful of RSI levels, you can avoid buying during these high points and wait for more favorable buying conditions.
Takeaway
Each of these indicators — the 200-Day Moving Average, RSI, and BTC Power Law — provide a different view of bitcoin’s price movements, which can help you navigate both short-term trends and long-term cycles.
See: Sony Group to Launch Its Own Bitcoin exchange
While no indicator can guarantee success, these three tools can help you make a more informed investment decision by helping you time your moves in the volatile bitcoin market.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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FBI Raids Polymarket CEO’s Home After Election Prediction
Crypto | Nov 14, 2024
Image: Shayne Coplan CEO Polymarket (CNBC)
FBI Searches Prediction Market CEO Shayne Coplan's Home as Crypto Influence Grows
CNBC reported that the FBI raided 26 year old Shayne Coplan's New York apartment on Nov 13, CEO of prediction betting site Polymarket, seizing his phone and other devices. The FBI however did not publicly disclose any details or reasoning behind their investigation and no arrests or charges have been laid to date.
See: Markets React to Trump’s Assassination Attempt
Polymarket is the world's largest crypto prediction market where users can gamble on real world events, such as political outcomes or financial trends. The crowd-sourced platform was thrust into mainstream media for accurately predicting Donald Trump's win over Vice President Kamala Harris in the U.S presidential election, which ran opposite to what most of the mainstream polls were predicting at the time, a Harris win.
Polymarket spokesperson's quote suggests that the raid was politically motivated but no evidence has surfaced to confirm these claims.
"obvious political retribution by the outgoing administration against Polymarket for providing a market that correctly called the 2024 presidential election."
Not Polymarket's First Time Catching Regulator's Attention
Polymarket launched in 2022, allowing users to bet on future events in a decentralized model attracting many crypto fans. In the same year, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) fined Polymarket $1.4 million for operating without proper registration, which led to Polymarket restricting U.S. users from using its services.
What This Means for Crypto and DeFi Regulation
The FBIs raid is happening just as attitudes towards crypto regulations in the U.S. seem to be evolving with many expecting regulators to ease up on decentralized finance platforms like Polymarket.
See: Trump Family Launches ‘Defiant Ones’ Crypto Platform
However this latest raid means that even in a pro-crypto climate, some activities in DeFi are still under tight scrutiny (at least until Trump's administration takes over early next year).
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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