Latest from Michael Bellusci
Circle Enlists FIS, Crypto.com for Merchant Payments Settled in USDC
The deal with FIS Worldpay is meant to free firms from the “fiat-only ecosystem.”

US Sanctions Russia’s Hydra Darknet, Adds Over 100 Bitcoin Wallets to OFAC List
The move came alongside action by Germany, which earlier on Tuesday announced the shutdown of Hydra Market and seizure of $25 million in bitcoin.

Coinbase’s NFT Strategy Questioned by Mizuho Analyst
Dan Dolev is skeptical about the exchange getting into the NFT business at this time, citing a decline in NFT internet searches.

Abra Targets High-Net-Worth Clients With New Asset Management Division
The newly formed Abra Capital Management will require a minimum investment of $250,000.

FTX Takes Stake in Stock Exchange IEX to Strengthen Crypto Markets
The size of FTX’s investment was not revealed, but an FTX spokesperson said it will become a “significant” shareholder in IEX.

Crypto Exchange BitMEX Lays Off 75 Workers
The global job cuts will impact about 25% of the company's workforce and come after plans by a company founded by BitMEX executives to buy a German bank fell through in March.

SEC Rejects Spot Bitcoin ETF Application From Ark 21Shares
The move continues a recent string of denials by the SEC of applications for spot bitcoin ETFs.

Galaxy Digital Tweaks BitGo Purchase Terms as It Awaits SEC Action
The acquisition was announced last May with an expectation of closing by the end of 2021.

Galaxy’s Novogratz and Bakkt’s Michael Differ on Bitcoin’s Case as Digital Gold
Each spoke separately Wednesday during the Barclays Crypto and Blockchain Summit.

Visa Program to Help Creatives Build Their Businesses With NFTs
Selected creators will participate in a one-year NFT immersion program.
