US to target crypto ransomware payments with sanctions
The Treasury Department plans to impose the sanctions as soon as next week, the people said, and will issue fresh guidance to businesses on the risks associated with facilitating ransomware payments, including fines and other penalties.
Fidelity lobbies SEC for Bitcoin ETF
Fidelity Investments is lobbying the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to approve the financial service company's Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).
Dogecoin copycats? Trademark fight erupts over joke crypto worth billions
Dogecoin is a digital currency made famous for its satire of the cryptocurrency universe. Originally designed as a joke in a handful of hours, dogecoin pays homage to a 2013 viral internet meme of a Shiba Inu dog with bad spelling habits (thus doge instead of dog).
MiamiCoin: Miami votes to access $5M+ from city-based cryptocurrency
Miami's city commission on Monday voted in favor of accessing about $5 million worth of MiamiCoin, a Miami-specific cryptocurrency — and counting.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin all higher Tuesday in early trading
Bitcoin was trading 3.33% higher on Tuesday morning nearing $46,000 per coin.
GlobeNewswire blames Walmart-Litecoin fakery on 'fraudulent user account'
Walmart and Litecoin were the targets of bad actors likely looking to profit from fake news.
Bitcoin struggles above $45,000 after tumble earlier in the week
Bitcoin was trading 1.02% lower on Friday morning at approximately $45,900 per coin.
Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen star in crypto exchange ad
Tom Brady and his wife Gisele Bundchen are getting into the cryptocurrency game.
SEC threatens to sue Coinbase over its Lend product
Coinbase Global Inc. was warned by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission not to launch a product that would pay customers interest for lending their crypto holdings.
Bitcoin tumble trips up Coinbase, causing delays and malfunctions
Coinbase experienced service troubles on Tuesday amid a surge in trading as Bitcoin slipped.
Kim Kardashian's cryptocurrency ad sparks criticism from UK financial watchdog
Charles Randell, the chair of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority said celebrities with influence and millions of social media followers are putting investors at risk by pushing unknown crypto tokens.
Tom Brady offers Steph Curry some advice on cryptocurrency investing
Tom Brady appeared to be making sure no athletes make the same mistakes as him when it comes to cryptocurrency, and that includes Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry.
Bitcoin in El Salvador sparks crypto currency debate
El Savador is the first country to adopt Bitcoin, prompting skeptics and supporters to debate its success.
Bitcoin price tops $50K in September push
Bitcoin crossed the $50,000 per coin threshold for the second time since May.
Attorney Roy Black, Lea Black of ‘Real Housewives’ list $34 million Miami island home
Attorney Roy Black and "Real Housewives" alum Lea Black have listed their Miami island home for $34 million.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin trump stocks in August
The cryptocurrency market boomed during the month of August.
Trump warns crypto 'potentially a disaster waiting to happen'
Former President Trump warned that investing in cryptocurrencies is “potentially a disaster waiting to happen.”
Paulson says cryptocurrencies will eventually be ‘worthless’
John Paulson, the hedge fund billionaire who made a fortune in 2008 when he shorted the housing bubble, said in an interview published Sunday that he believes cryptocurrencies will eventually go bust.
Bitcoin billionaire spends millions on yacht: 'You never know when you are going to need an ark'
Bitcoin billionaire Brock Pierce has shelled out $1.9 million to buy a vintage yacht that he is spending millions more to revamp.
SEC chair warns cryptocurrency industry won't reach potential staying outside our laws
Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission Gary Gensler argued on Thursday that the cryptocurrency “field is not going to reach any of its potential if it tries to stay outside of our laws.”
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.