General

When Ryan Wedding represented Canada as an Olympic snowboarder in 2002, few could have imagined the trajectory his life would take. Now, over two decades later, Wedding is one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, accused of leading a violent drug trafficking network. His organization allegedly transported massive quantities of cocaine from Colombia to North America, facilitated by modern technology—notably cryptocurrency. The case serves as a stark reminder of how criminals are exploiting digital financial systems, creating new challenges for law enforcement worldwide.

The UK government has repeatedly expressed its ambition to establish the country as a crypto hub. However, 2024 saw limited progress in regulatory developments, and with ongoing political shifts, the crypto industry has been left speculating about the next steps. Despite the uncertainty, there have been notable remarks that may provide hints about the future regulatory roadmap. While clarity is still lacking, and it remains to be seen how these plans will translate into concrete actions, this article explores the potential changes on the horizon.

As the cryptocurrency market grows, so does the complexity of its regulation. In the United States, two key regulatory bodies – the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – have been tasked with overseeing different aspects of the crypto space. While both agencies have distinct roles, their jurisdictions often overlap, creating regulatory ambiguity. This article explores the roles of the CFTC and SEC in the context of cryptocurrency regulation, their differing approaches to oversight, recent developments from 2023 to 2024, and the impact of this regulatory overlap on the crypto industry.

Hot wallets are cryptocurrency wallets designed to maintain continuous internet connectivity and real-time interaction with the cryptocurrency network. These wallets enable users to execute swift transactions, check token balances instantly, and manage assets conveniently. However, their constant internet connectivity makes them more susceptible to cybersecurity threats compared to cold wallets, which remain offline. 

The spot market is where cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are traded for immediate delivery, with prices determined by supply and demand in real-time. Unlike the futures market, where assets are traded on contracts settled at a future date, the spot market involves direct transactions of the asset itself. 

As the crypto asset market has matured, regulatory authorities like the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have become key players in overseeing certain aspects of this rapidly evolving industry. With digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum now widely traded, understanding how the CFTC regulates crypto commodities and futures contracts is critical for investors, businesses, and policymakers. The CFTC’s primary responsibility lies in ensuring that commodities markets are transparent, free from fraud, and protective of consumer interests. This article delves into the CFTC’s authority over futures markets, its historical enforcement actions, and ongoing regulatory developments in 2023 and 2024.

The increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins highlights how both retail and institutional investors are seeing the advantages of crypto assets and blockchain technology. Now, attention is shifting toward how these benefits could be applied to traditional assets we’re all familiar with, from real estate to art, through an evolving concept known as asset tokenization. 

The FBI's 2023 Cryptocurrency Fraud Report, released on September 9, 2024, reveals a staggering $5.6 billion lost to crypto-related scams, marking a 45% increase from the previous year. This article explores the key findings of the report, focusing on the most common scams, the demographics most affected, and the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals within the growing blockchain ecosystem. Additionally, we'll examine why Web3's rapid expansion has become a hotspot for scammers and how to protect yourself against these rising threats.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Robert Whitaker, a seasoned law enforcement professional who has recently joined Merkle Science as the Director of Law Enforcement Affairs. With over 23 years of experience spanning federal, state, and international law enforcement, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the cryptocurrency landscape. His distinguished career includes key roles at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), where he led efforts in disrupting criminal networks and combating financial crimes, particularly those involving cryptocurrencies.

The 2024 presidential election pitting former President Donald Trump versus current Vice President Kamala Harris will be a historically monumental one. The American public’s choice of president will shape the United States at a crucial turning point in the nation’s economy.