Author: Ethan Carter
Ethan is a seasoned cryptocurrency writer with extensive experience contributing to leading U.S.-based blockchain and fintech publications. His work blends in-depth market analysis with accessible explanations, making complex crypto topics understandable for a broad audience. Over the years, he has covered Bitcoin, Ethereum, DeFi, NFTs, and emerging blockchain trends, always with a focus on accuracy and insight. Ethan's articles have appeared on major crypto portals, where his expertise in market trends and investment strategies has earned him a loyal readership.
Selecting a Cryptocurrency Gift With more than 27 million cryptocurrencies in existence by late 2025, choosing the right one can be daunting. For a Christmas gift, especially for someone who isn’t familiar with crypto or has never owned any, opting for established and popular options is the safest bet. There’s no definitive “best” coin, as cryptocurrencies vary in purpose, age, and adoption levels. Well-known cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and those with top ratings on platforms like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko generally have the longest histories, broad communities, and high visibility. They’re also widely supported by crypto exchanges and wallet…
Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, served 12 years of a double life sentence plus an additional 40 years before being pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump in January, marking the start of a series of other pardons that continue this month.This feature is a segment of CoinDesk’s Most Influential 2025 list.Ulbricht was convicted in February 2015 and sentenced in May of the same year for charges including narcotics trafficking, conspiracy, and hacking.Trump announced his intention to pardon Ulbricht at the Libertarian National Convention in May 2024 and executed the pardon shortly after resuming office this past January, linking…
David Sacks, a prominent figure from the PayPal Mafia and co-founder of Craft Ventures, was one of U.S. President Donald Trump’s initial significant selections for a cryptocurrency position as he geared up to return to office, appointing Sacks as the White House AI and Crypto Czar in December 2024. In this capacity, Sacks witnessed Congress enact the first significant crypto legislation and saw multiple executive orders signed by Trump addressing a range of issues—from the establishment of a Bitcoin BTC$89,966.90 reserve to directing federal agencies to reassess their stance on cryptocurrency.This article is part of CoinDesk’s Most Influential 2025 list.The…
Selecting a cryptocurrency to gift With over 27 million cryptocurrencies in existence as of late 2025, making a selection can be daunting. For a Christmas present, particularly for someone unfamiliar with crypto, it’s best to opt for established and reputable options. There isn’t a single “best” cryptocurrency since each serves different purposes, varies in age, and has different adoption levels. Well-known cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), along with those highly rated on platforms like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko, generally boast the longest histories, largest communities, and most visibility. They are also widely supported by exchanges and wallet applications, making…
A Tennessee Republican introduced the inaugural stablecoin legislation that has been enacted into U.S. law.
Selecting the Right Cryptocurrency to Gift With more than 27 million cryptocurrencies available as of late 2025, making a choice can be daunting. For holiday gifts, especially for those new to crypto, it’s best to opt for established and reputable options. There isn’t a universal “best” coin since cryptocurrencies vary in their functions, ages, and adoption levels. Coins like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), as well as those that rank highly on CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko, typically boast the most solid histories, robust communities, and high visibility. They also have broad support from crypto exchanges and wallet applications, simplifying fund management…
CoinShares, a crypto asset management firm, has stated that digital assets are transitioning from outside experiments to becoming integral components of financial infrastructure as major institutions develop on public blockchains.In its 2026 Digital Asset Outlook released on Monday, the firm posited that the upcoming phase will be characterized by convergence rather than disruption, coining the term “hybrid finance” — a blend of crypto frameworks with traditional finance to establish new market structures.“Digital assets are increasingly integrated into the traditional economy,” stated CoinShares CEO Jean-Marie Mognetti, emphasizing that 2026 is gearing up for “consolidation into the real economy.”The report highlighted the…
Coreweave’s (CRWV) shares dropped by 8% on Monday following the AI infrastructure firm’s announcement of plans to secure $2 billion from investors through convertible debt.This debt offering can increase to $2.3 billion if the $300 million underwriter greenshoe option is fully exercised.While specific pricing details are pending, Bloomberg indicated that the company is proposing an interest rate of 1.5% to 2%, along with a bond premium of 20% to 30%.After an initial decline post-IPO in March, CRWV nearly reached $200 over the summer. The stock has faced challenges since then, falling approximately 50% over the past six months and currently…
Key takeawaysMAS has broadened the scope of Ripple’s MPI license, enabling the company to offer a significantly wider array of regulated payment services and representing a key regulatory achievement for its operations in Singapore.Ripple initially acquired a full MPI license in 2023, permitting digital payment token services but constraining complete end-to-end payment functionalities until the limitations were lifted in the 2025 expansion.The enhanced license now allows for full cross-border payment processing, regulated XRP and RLUSD services, liquidity solutions, on/off-ramps, and enterprise-level settlement tools under Singapore’s stringent supervision.The increased license positions Ripple to cater to growing institutional needs across Asia-Pacific, compete…
ICP$3.4383 has increased in the last 24 hours, rising by 0.6% to $3.44, with trading focusing on important technical levels. ICP fluctuated within a $0.20 intraday range — exhibiting roughly 5.7% volatility — indicative of a market still stabilizing following last week’s recovery from several days of lows, according to CoinDesk Research’s technical analysis data model.Momentum peaked early in the trading session when ICP surged towards $3.55. This move was supported by a notable volume increase to 1.04 million tokens — approximately 31% higher than the seven-day average. Following that, the token settled into a consistent sideways pattern, staying between…