A crucial clue in the $4.5 billion Bitcoin heist: A $500 Walmart gift card
Federal investigators spent years hunting for clues in the 2016 hacking of the Bitfinex cryptocurrency exchange, when thieves stole bitcoin now worth $4.5 billion. In the end, what helped lead them to two suspects was something much more quotidian: a $500 Walmart gift card.
Bitcoin price hovers around $44,000 Wednesday
Bitcoin traded around $44,000 on Wednesday morning, the day after the cryptocurrency recorded a gain.
SEC chair: Examination of crypto platform Binance is simply seeking 'basic investor protection'
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman Gary Gensler spoke with Fox Business on Tuesday in response to reports his agency is scrutinizing the relationship between the U.S. arm of the Binance cryptocurrency exchange and two firms tied to Chinese-Canadian business executive Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance.
SEC chairman Gensler explains approach to crypto regulation
US Securities and Exchange Commission chair discusses regulating the digital money market on 'The Claman Countdown.'
Bitcoin Foundation chair on Fed rate hikes: 'Probably a net positive for crypto'
Bitcoin Foundation Chair Brock Pierce discusses the impact of Fed rate hikes on cryptocurrency, how long it will take to integrate crypto into daily life, and novice investors looking to get into the crypto-sphere.
Bitcoin transparency, accountability needed: John Wu
Ava Labs President John Wu on the new settlement with crypto firm BlockFi.
Cryptocurrency trading higher across the board, Bitcoin above $44,000
Cryptocurrency was edging higher overnight and into Tuesday morning as Bitcoin broke through the $44,000 plateau despite investor concern over Russia and Ukraine.
Bitcoin case: Wife released while husband jailed pending trial in alleged billion-dollar crypto scam
A federal judge ruled Monday that Heather Morgan will be released pending trial, while her husband, Ilya Lichtenstein, will remain behind bars as they both face trial for allegedly laundering $3.6 billion in stolen bitcoin.
BlockFi to pay $100M SEC penalty over crypto lending product
The firm began offering BlockFi Interest Accounts to the public in March 2019, in which investors lend crypto assets to the company in exchange for its promise to provide a variable monthly interest payment.
Bitcoin mining ETF sees strong start
A new ETF aims to mine for opportunities in the world of Bitcoin mining.
Crypto regulation needs to be balanced, clear: Former federal prosecutor
Bitwise Asset Management general counsel Katherine Dowling reacts to Coinbase’s Super Bowl ad and discusses cryptocurrency regulation.
Cryptocurrency market lower, Bitcoin trading at about $42,000
Cryptocurrency was trading lower across the board early Monday morning.
These 10 US cities will pay you to move there, report says
Cities across the country are looking to appeal to the thousands of workers that were pushed into remote positions by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Mattel looks beyond Barbies, board games by entering NFT market
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz discusses the toy company's push into the technology and cryptocurrency markets.
Cryptocurrency investors face tax season challenges
Now that tax season is in full swing, taxpayers who participated in last year’s boom in cryptocurrency and other digital assets like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are figuring out what it all means for their taxes.
NFL legend Anthony Muñoz reveals which player could be the next Tom Brady
Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz and Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment CEO Michael Crawford join 'The Claman Countdown.'
Bitcoin takes a hit on interest rate hike fears
Bitcoin was trading back around $43,000 Friday morning, after having jumped above $45,000 during the day on Thursday.
Crypto exchange Binance to invest $200 million in Forbes
Cryptocurrency exchange operator Binance Holdings Ltd. is making a $200 million investment in the publisher of Forbes magazine, an unusual tie-up between a digital-currency firm and a traditional media outfit, the companies said Thursday.
Justice Department seizes $3.6B of stolen Bitcoin from crypto hack
Association for Digital Asset Markets CEO Michelle Bond discusses the seizure of billions in stolen Bitcoin after hack and the increase in crypto use and money laundering on ‘Fox Business Tonight.’
Bitcoin rises above $44,000 despite regulation talk
Bitcoin is poised to add to gains from the prior day, now trading above $44,000.
Cryptocurrency FAQs
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency, or crypto, is a form of digital asset that is secured by cryptography and the blockchain. The most notable example of a cryptocurrency is bitcoin, though thousands of other similar assets exist. Cryptocurrencies are regarded by many as the money tech of the future due to their accessibility and un-censorable nature.
How do cryptocurrencies work?
Cryptocurrency networks, or blockchains, are independently verified by a matrix of computers that record all transactions and ensure a consensus throughout the chain. This means that all network information is recorded immutably and permanently; transactions cannot be prevented, blocked, or changed. Network participants can thus trust each other and transact without the need for a centralized intermediary.
How can I buy a cryptocurrency?
There are many markets for cryptocurrencies where you can exchange USD for the cryptocurrency of your choice. These include centralized exchanges and services such as Coinbase and PayPal, or decentralized alternatives like UniSwap where you can swap between crypto-assets. To use a centralized exchange, you’ll need to submit personal information such as your passport or driver’s license. Note that the price of digital assets can change rapidly, so timing your purchases well is essential.
Where can I keep my crypto coins?
Cryptocurrencies can usually be held with the exchange or business you bought them from. However, as these exchanges can be hacked, it is advisable to move your assets to your own personal wallet. These wallets are more secure and can be accessed from your laptop, phone, or other mobile devices.
What can I buy with crypto?
Real work adoption of crypto is still ongoing. However, more businesses are accepting crypto and you can buy goods and services as diverse as real estate, stocks, travel, gambling, websites, and much more. This trend should continue over time as cryptocurrencies become better known, accepted and trusted.
Pros and cons of investing in a cryptocurrency
You may have read the news that crypto has broken all-time highs recently. This is the main advantage, that we are early in the asset’s history and prices have generally gone rapidly upwards. However, you should be aware that volatility is significant and you can similarly lose money quickly if your timing is poor. Security is also a major issue and you must ensure you secure your crypto and transactions well or you could become a victim of theft or fraud.