Former North Carolina lawmaker Patrick McHenry has joined Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) as a senior advisor for technology policy, enhancing the firm’s influence in shaping favorable regulations for the tech industry. McHenry, known for his advocacy of cryptocurrency legislation, aims to “level the playing field” for startups. His appointment coincides with a16z’s efforts to connect tech entrepreneurs with policymakers through its newly launched Policy Accelerator Program.
about Patrick McHenry Joins Andreessen Horowitz as Senior Advisor for Technology PolicyPatrick
0 posts last weekEU Approves Ten Stablecoin Issuers Excluding Tether Under MiCA Regulations
Ten firms have been approved to issue stablecoins in the EU under the MiCA framework, notably excluding Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer. This has raised concerns about the EU’s regulatory environment potentially stifling innovation and driving crypto companies to relocate outside the region. Tether expressed disappointment over recent delistings of its stablecoin by crypto platforms ahead of the MiCA deadline.
about EU Approves Ten Stablecoin Issuers Excluding Tether Under MiCA RegulationsFrench Economist Advocates US Investment Amid EU Growth Challenges
French economist Patrick Artus has suggested that, in light of growth challenges within the EU, investors should consider directing their funds towards the USA. This recommendation highlights the ongoing economic disparities and the search for more favorable investment opportunities.
about French Economist Advocates US Investment Amid EU Growth ChallengesTexas Plans to Establish Bitcoin Reserve as Cryptocurrency Adoption Grows
Texas is set to establish a Bitcoin reserve as part of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s 2025 legislative priorities, positioning the state as a leader in cryptocurrency adoption. This initiative follows a growing trend among states like Utah and Arizona, aiming to integrate digital assets into financial strategies. The move reflects a significant shift in the American financial landscape, with states re-evaluating traditional reserve methods in favor of cryptocurrencies.
about Texas Plans to Establish Bitcoin Reserve as Cryptocurrency Adoption GrowsIllinois proposes Bitcoin reserve with five-year holding requirement
Illinois is advancing a proposal to establish a state-run Bitcoin reserve, mandating a five-year holding period for any acquired BTC. Introduced by State Representative John Cabello, House Bill 1844 aims to integrate Bitcoin into the state treasury, following similar initiatives in Arizona and Texas. This strategic move reflects a growing trend among U.S. states to adopt cryptocurrency as part of their financial frameworks.
about Illinois proposes Bitcoin reserve with five-year holding requirementApple Researcher Downplays Threat of New MacOS Crypto Malware Banshee
A new macOS malware strain, dubbed Banshee, evaded antivirus detection for over two months by mimicking Apple’s encryption methods, targeting crypto wallets and browser credentials. Despite media warnings about significant risks to Apple users, security expert Patrick Wardle argues that the malware’s capabilities are basic and that recent macOS updates already mitigate such threats, leaving average users with minimal risk.
about Apple Researcher Downplays Threat of New MacOS Crypto Malware BansheePostfinance Faces Job Cuts Amid Leadership Changes and New Strategy
Postfinance is undergoing significant changes under new leadership, with the departure of Benjamin Staeheli, head of “Payment Solutions,” amid concerns over potential job cuts. The new strategy, named “Pulse,” aims to enhance customer loyalty and service quality, shifting power dynamics within the bank. The focus will be on wealth management and adapting to challenging interest rates, but details on job impacts remain unclear.
about Postfinance Faces Job Cuts Amid Leadership Changes and New StrategyFederal Reserve Officials Favor Neutral Policy Ahead of Trump Administration
Federal Reserve officials are adopting a neutral policy stance as they await clearer guidance from the incoming Trump administration. Fed Governor Michelle W. Bowman and Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid indicated that further rate cuts may not be necessary, given the strong economy and persistent inflation above the 2% target. With markets predicting a 95.2% chance of unchanged interest rates at the next meeting, there is caution about aggressive policy changes that could reignite inflationary pressures.
about Federal Reserve Officials Favor Neutral Policy Ahead of Trump AdministrationWisconsin Lawmaker Bryan Steil to Lead Digital Assets Subcommittee in Congress
Wisconsin Representative Bryan Steil has been appointed chair of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, succeeding Arkansas Representative French Hill. As the committee prioritizes establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets, Steil emphasized the urgency for US lawmakers to advance crypto regulations. Despite no personal crypto investments, he received significant support from the crypto-backed PAC Fairshake during his reelection campaign.
about Wisconsin Lawmaker Bryan Steil to Lead Digital Assets Subcommittee in CongressUS Economic Reports Impacting Crypto Markets This Week
This week, the crypto market is poised for volatility due to five key US economic reports, including employment data and Federal Reserve meeting minutes. Strong labor market figures could boost consumer confidence and demand for cryptocurrencies, while weak data may dampen market enthusiasm. Traders are closely monitoring these indicators to gauge their impact on risk assets like Bitcoin.
about US Economic Reports Impacting Crypto Markets This Week