Roger Ver’s Trump pardon plea: ‘Lawfare’ victim or tax evader?

Coinbase has launched operations in Argentina after receiving a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Argentina's National Securities Commission, marking its expansion into a market with over 5 million daily crypto users.

The regulatory approval enables Coinbase to provide trading and custody services within Argentina's legal framework, targeting a population grappling with high inflation, currency volatility, and limited access to international markets.

Research commissioned by Coinbase shows that 87% of Argentinians believe crypto can help them achieve greater financial independence, while 76% view it as a solution to inflation and transaction costs.

Matías Alberti, previously of Buenbit and Clara, will lead Coinbase's operations in Argentina.

"Economic freedom is a cornerstone of prosperity, and we are proud to bring secure, transparent, and reliable crypto services to Argentina," said Fabio Plein, Director for the Americas at Coinbase.

The company plans to launch educational initiatives focused on financial literacy and understanding of the crypto ecosystem.

This expansion follows Coinbase's earlier entry into Brazil, strengthening its presence in Latin America.

Binance is facing yet another regulatory storm in France. The country's authorities have now launched a criminal investigation against crypto exchange, alleging tax fraud, money laundering, and illegal operations tied to drug trafficking.

According to a report by Reuters, the investigation, led by France's financial crime unit (JUNALCO), accuses Binance of facilitating money laundering linked to drug trafficking. The case spans between 2019 and 2024.

Alleged Failure in Reporting Suspicious Activities

Prosecutors claim the platform failed to report suspicious activities and operated without necessary approvals in France and other European Union countries. Complaints from users who said they lost money due to misleading communication and unlicensed trading practices fueled the probe. Binance, in a statement, denied all allegations, calling them outdated and vowing to fight the charges.

This is not the first time Binance is at loggerheads with Paris watchdogs. Binance France was investigated by public prosecutors in 2023 over the 'illegal' provision of crypto services before it was licensed.

While defending the crypto exchange Former CEO Changpeng Zhao, Binance dismissed the report, saying the exchange received a surprise visit from the local authorities prior to the investigation. Zhao added that the inspections was usual for banks and also crypto companies.

Elsewhere, Zhao pleaded guilty to violating US anti-money laundering laws in 2023, the same year. Consequently, Binance paid a $4.3 billion penalty as part of the settlement.

US prosecutors accused the company of ignoring over 100,000 suspicious transactions linked to criminal activities, including terrorism financing. The company's troubles extend beyond the US and France. Australia's corporate watchdog recently sued Binance for allegedly denying retail customers proper protections.

Binance's Response

Binance has repeatedly claimed it is improving its compliance. The company praised its services, pointing to advancements in anti-money laundering (AML) protocols and enhanced employee training. Binance says it has adopted global standards for Know-Your-Customer (KYC) processes to combat illicit activity.

Despite these assurances, French prosecutors argue that the company's actions have harmed investors. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has also warned that cryptocurrency remains a haven for financial crimes, highlighting the risks in the industry.

Binance's mounting legal woes reflect broader challenges in the cryptocurrency world. Interestingly, a wave of bankruptcies in 2022 revealed widespread fraud across major crypto platforms, leaving millions of investors in financial ruin.

The launch of Rivens AI by Zero1 Labs on January 29, 2025, could have implications for the DEAI token. The introduction of a new product often sparks interest and speculation, potentially boosting the token’s price. Additionally, a hackathon with a $20k prize pool follows the launch, which could create further engagement and awareness. If the product meets high expectations, the demand for DEAI might increase. However, any technical issues or low user interest could result in a price stagnation or decline. Pay attention to initial adoption rates. Source

OpenServ’s AMA on January 31, 2025, might shift the SERV token's price. The discussion will cover major updates like the new SDK, tokenomics, and partnerships, which could impact investor confidence. The unveiling of these updates could attract new users and partnerships, leading to increased demand for the token. If the AMA reveals positive news, the token might see an upward trend. Conversely, if there are concerns or unmet expectations, the price could drop. Monitoring community reactions during the AMA will provide further clues. Source

The public launch of Humans.ai on March 1, 2025, could influence the HEART token's price. This event offers exclusive user skins and benefits for the first 2,000 sign-ups, making it attractive for early adopters. Such perks can boost demand and attention for the platform, potentially affecting market sentiment. If the launch attracts a strong user base, it could lead to increased token usage and value. However, if interest is low, the impact on the token's price might be minimal. Watch for participation numbers and community buzz for insights. Source

DeepSeek, the Chinese open-source AI model making waves in Silicon Valley, is extremely bullish on Bitcoin, predicting a potential peak of between $500,000 and $600,000 by the first quarter of 2026. This bold outlook emerged after the AI was asked to factor in both historical models and on-chain data, alongside a pro-Bitcoin approach from President Trump.

DeepSeek’s Bitcoin Price Prediction

DeepSeek begins by discussing what it calls the “Key Implications of the Crypto Executive Order,” which it believes would change the calculus for both institutional and retail participants. The AI states that “The exploration of a national Bitcoin reserve signals institutional validation of Bitcoin as a strategic asset. If the US government accumulates Bitcoin, it could create a significant supply shock, driving prices higher.”

This comment reflects a view that the market could tighten substantially if large public entities, such as national treasuries, decide to hold Bitcoin in reserve. Furthermore, DeepSeek highlights the possibility that “other nations and institutions could follow suit,” which would add to the upward price pressure if a wave of competitive accumulation were to ensue.

The AI also remarks that by banning CBDCs, the Trump administration would be “effectively positioning Bitcoin and other decentralized cryptocurrencies as the primary alternatives to fiat currencies,” which is a bold departure from the policies adopted or explored by many other jurisdictions that tend to see CBDCs as a means of maintaining control over monetary policy in a digital economy.

DeepSeek believes regulatory clarity is another fundamental driver likely to magnify Bitcoin’s gains. It explicitly points out that the “establishment of a cryptocurrency working group led by David Sacks suggests a pro-innovation regulatory approach” and that such a policy stance is likely to foster a favorable climate for crypto businesses and financial institutions looking for stable guidelines.

The AI argues that this, in turn, could encourage accelerated institutional inflows and broader mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin, especially if companies are assured that the regulatory framework allows them to innovate without fear of sudden legal or compliance obstacles. DeepSeek goes on to address the geopolitical aspects of the executive order by saying, “The US is taking a leadership role in the digital asset space, which could strengthen the dollar’s dominance while simultaneously boosting Bitcoin’s status as a global store of value.”

Delving into the specific timeline, the AI predicts that any news about the realization of thr strategic Bitcoin reserve could trigger a short-lived but potent rally, potentially pushing the price to the $120,000–$130,000 bracket as traders, institutions, and the media absorb the implications of a government-led push for a national Bitcoin reserve and enhanced regulatory clarity.

DeepSeek expects that by the second and third quarters of 2025, as conversations around the working group’s findings gain momentum, institutional investors and retail market participants may exhibit what DeepSeek calls “Institutional FOMO,” leading to a jump in Bitcoin’s price to the $200,000–$250,000 zone.

The AI model then projects that by the end of 2025, the price might rise further, potentially reaching $300,000–$350,000. It points to ongoing speculation about the government’s Bitcoin purchases, or at least the possibility of such purchases, as well as heightened recognition of Bitcoin’s role as a global reserve asset. DeepSeek believes this period would be marked by increased media attention, new financial products enabling Bitcoin exposure, and robust demand from both seasoned and new investors.

The AI’s analysis becomes especially dramatic when it turns to the outlook for 2026, tying the bullish price momentum to three key factors: the aftermath of the 2024 Bitcoin halving, growing interest from major institutions, and direct involvement of the US government. DeepSeek says, “Bitcoin could peak at $500,000-$600,000, as the market enters the euphoria phase,” suggesting that the first quarter of 2026 is the most likely time for such a spike.

DeepSeek stresses that the halving would reduce Bitcoin’s issuance, while strong new demand from large-scale players—possibly guided by the new executive order—could further tighten supply. Yet, DeepSeek warns that after this euphoric peak, the market may correct significantly, potentially falling back to the $250,000–$300,000 range by mid to late 2026 as investors realize profits and speculative excesses unwind.

The AI still anticipates a generally positive long-term picture, asserting that “the long-term outlook remains bullish due to Bitcoin’s growing role in the global financial system,” particularly if the regulatory framework introduced during Trump’s administration remains in place and encourages widespread adoption.

At press time, BTC traded at $102,948.