March 13th, 2025

What’s Happening in Crypto? Insights from Anndy Lian- Hosted by Binance Square

What’s Happening in Crypto? Insights from Anndy Lian- Hosted by Binance Square

The cryptocurrency industry is no stranger to volatility, innovation, and constant evolution. In a recent live-streamed panel discussion hosted by Binance Square, Jessica Walker, Global Media and Content Lead at Binance, sat down with Anndy Lian, an intergovernmental blockchain advisor and bestselling author, to discuss the current state of the crypto market. The session “What’s Happening in Crypto?” provided valuable insights into the market’s recent developments, macroeconomic influences, and the future of blockchain technology.

Anndy Lian, a seasoned expert in the blockchain space, shared his thoughts on the market’s trajectory, the role of macroeconomic factors, and the opportunities and risks for both new and experienced investors. Here’s a detailed look at the key takeaways from the discussion.

Anndy Lian’s Background: A Decade in Blockchain

Anndy Lian’s journey in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space began in 2013 when he first encountered Bitcoin. By 2017, he had fully immersed himself in the industry, transitioning to a full-time blockchain technology and investment role. Based in Singapore, Lian operates across multiple regions, including South Korea and the UK, managing licensed investment funds and advising governments on blockchain adoption.

“I’ve never looked back,” Lian said, reflecting on his decision to go all-in on crypto. “Whether the market is up or down, I’m always around.” His steadfast commitment to the industry has made him a trusted voice in the space, and his upcoming book on Web 4.0 and decentralized AI is highly anticipated.

The Current State of the Crypto Market: Volatility and Opportunity

The discussion began with an analysis of the recent price swings in Bitcoin and the broader crypto market. Lian described the market as “really crazy” and highlighted the influence of macroeconomic factors, such as U.S. policies and global financial trends, on crypto prices.

“Stocks have hit session lows, and the bond market is also underperforming,” Lian noted, pointing to the broader economic uncertainty. He explained that these factors have contributed to the volatility in the crypto market, with Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies experiencing significant price fluctuations.

Lian emphasized the importance of understanding the macroeconomic environment when making investment decisions. “You have to look at the overall picture to determine your strategy—whether to hold, buy, or speculate,” he advised. He also highlighted the role of social media and news in driving market sentiment, cautioning against the impact of “one tweet” that can cause billions of dollars to flow in or out of the market.

U.S. Policy and Its Impact on Crypto

One of the key themes of the discussion was the influence of U.S. policy on the crypto market. Lian referred to the current period as “U.S. season,” noting that decisions and statements from American policymakers significantly impact global crypto sentiment.

For example, he mentioned the upcoming Crypto Summit held by President Trump, where policy experts will convene to shape the country’s Bitcoin strategy. “The U.S. is taking a leading role in crypto regulation, but this can create mixed signals for the market,” Lian said. He expressed concern about the unpredictability of such developments, citing examples of how political statements can lead to market speculation and volatility.

Long-Term Outlook: Crypto Is Here to Stay

Despite the short-term volatility, Lian remains optimistic about the crypto industry’s long-term prospects. “Crypto is here for the future,” he asserted. He explained that the industry will continue to thrive as long as there is a healthy flow of buying and selling activity.

Lian also encouraged investors to focus on projects with strong fundamentals and active communities. “Buy projects with a good vision and a strong community,” he advised. He stressed the importance of thorough research and avoiding speculative investments in unproven tokens.

Shifting Sentiment in 2025: Meme Coins and Institutional Interest

One of the more surprising trends Lian highlighted was the growing interest in meme coins among institutional investors. “This year, I’ve had family offices and even private banks asking about meme coins,” he revealed. While meme coins have traditionally been associated with retail investors and internet culture, their appeal to institutional players marks a significant shift in sentiment.

Lian described this trend as “crazy but bullish,” noting that it reflects a broader acceptance of crypto assets as part of diversified investment portfolios. He also mentioned that private banks are exploring ways to create index funds or baskets of cryptocurrencies, including meme coins, for their clients.

Altcoins and Ethereum’s Future

The conversation also touched on the altcoin market and the upcoming Ethereum upgrade. Lian described the current state of altcoins as a “big discount,” presenting opportunities for investors who believe in the long-term potential of these projects. He specifically mentioned Solana as an example of an altcoin with strong fundamentals that is currently undervalued.

Regarding Ethereum, Lian expressed optimism about the impact of its upcoming upgrade. “Ethereum is in a very healthy state right now,” he said, predicting that the upgrade could drive significant price growth. He also highlighted the potential for Ethereum to lead the next wave of innovation in the crypto space, particularly in areas like decentralized finance (DeFi) and meme coins.

“If Ethereum can drive the narrative for the next meme season, we could easily see a $5,000 Ethereum this year,” Lian predicted. However, he also urged the Ethereum Foundation to maintain low fees and avoid excessive token sales to ensure the network’s competitiveness.

Advice for New Investors: Do Your Own Research

For newcomers to the crypto space, Lian offered a simple but crucial piece of advice: “Always do your own research.” He cautioned against relying on speculative news or following the advice of influencers without verifying the information.

Lian also warned against investing in unproven tokens that lack visibility on platforms like CoinMarketCap. “If a token isn’t even listed on CoinMarketCap, it’s a red flag,” he said. Instead, he encouraged investors to focus on projects with a clear vision and a strong community.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Community

As the session concluded, both Lian and Walker emphasized the importance of community in the crypto space. “Crypto communities are one of the most important aspects of the industry,” Walker said, highlighting their role in driving innovation and adoption.

Lian agreed, adding that a strong community is often a key indicator of a project’s potential for success. “The power of community in crypto cannot be underestimated,” he said.

Conclusion

The Binance Square panel with Anndy Lian provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of the crypto market, offering valuable insights for both new and experienced investors. From the impact of macroeconomic factors to the growing interest in meme coins and the potential of Ethereum’s upgrade, the discussion covered a wide range of topics shaping the industry in 2025.

Lian’s advice to focus on research, community, and long-term potential reminds us that while the crypto market may be volatile, its future remains bright. As he aptly puts it, “Crypto is here for the future.”

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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March 12th, 2025

Crypto Firms Earmarked Over $134 Million for U.S. Elections in 2024: Report

Crypto Firms Earmarked Over $134 Million for U.S. Elections in 2024: Report

Cryptocurrency companies have spent more than $134 million on the 2024 U.S. elections, according to a March 7 report by the Center for Political Accountability (CPA), substantially increasing their political involvement to influence crypto-friendly regulations and raising concerns among regulators, policymakers, and investors about potential conflicts of interest.

Fairshake PAC Leads Crypto Political Influence

The CPA report highlights the increasing financial ties between crypto firms and U.S. elections, sparking unease among regulators, investors, and policymakers.

https://twitter.com/MetaEraHK/status/1899054181631270986

A major portion of this funding has been funneled through Fairshake, a political action committee (PAC) backed by major industry players such as Coinbase, Ripple, and Andreessen Horowitz.

Fairshake has reportedly spent more than $40 million to support candidates aligned with pro-crypto policies, influencing legislative outcomes in competitive congressional races.

Its affiliated PACs have also directed funds toward candidates favorable to digital assets.

Beyond corporate-backed donations, high-profile tech figures have also contributed substantially.

The report points out political donations from industry leaders, including Elon Musk, Reid Hoffman, and Chris Larsen.

Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen previously contributed $1 million in XRP to Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.

Despite these high-profile individual donations, most funds originate from corporate treasury contributions and private firms like Andreessen Horowitz.

Additionally, a major portion of the funding flows through obscure 501(c)(4) organizations, such as the Cedar Innovation Foundation, making it difficult to trace the full extent of crypto’s electoral spending.

Coinbase’s $25M Contribution, Concerns Over Insider Trading, and Political Influence

Coinbase, one of Fairshake’s largest backers, recently announced a $25 million donation supporting pro-crypto candidates in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, reinforcing its role in influencing crypto-related political outcomes.

However, the report also highlights regulatory concerns surrounding Coinbase.

In June 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged Coinbase with operating as an unregistered securities exchange.

The following month, the SEC ordered Coinbase to cease trading certain non-crypto assets, a directive with which the company refused to comply.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has vowed to fight the matter in court, arguing that the regulatory agency lacks clarity in its enforcement actions.

The CPA report also raises concerns about potential insider trading among elected officials due to the large influx of crypto donations.

With many of the largest contributions originating from industry founders and investors, there is increasing speculation that regulatory decisions may be swayed in favor of major crypto players.

Additionally, figures within the Trump administration could personally benefit from the crypto sector’s growing political engagement.

David Sacks, a South African entrepreneur and investor known as President Trump’s “crypto czar,” has reportedly divested his personal holdings following Trump’s executive order to create a “strategic crypto reserve.”

https://twitter.com/pbartstephens/status/1897008176467468349

If the U.S. government were to amass large amounts of digital assets, Sacks and other insiders could stand to profit, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest.

The Regulatory Debate: Innovation vs. Capture

Despite concerns about regulatory capture and undue influence, some industry experts argue that crypto’s political involvement is essential for fostering innovation-friendly regulations.

“As someone deeply involved in crypto, I see this spending as necessary for regulatory clarity, crucial for stability and growth,” said Anndy Lian, an intergovernmental blockchain advisor and author.

https://twitter.com/anndylian/status/1898987109865623765

While some view these contributions as a means to secure fairer regulations, others warn that prioritizing corporate interests over investor protection could undermine trust in the industry.

As crypto industry spending on U.S. elections reaches unprecedented levels, regulators and voters face a critical question: Can policymakers objectively navigate between fostering innovation and preventing regulatory capture?

The substantial political investments by crypto firms may deliver clearer industry regulations, but they also challenge the integrity of legislative processes.

Ultimately, the balance struck in coming elections will determine whether the cryptocurrency sector is viewed as a legitimate economic force or as a cautionary example of corporate influence reshaping democracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What broader effects might crypto political spending have on democratic decision-making?

Crypto funding in politics blurs the line between business interests and public welfare, leaving citizens feeling overlooked. This influence risks shifting policy toward entrenched power, straining democratic balance.

How might increased crypto spending affect investor confidence in the market?

A surge in crypto political contributions can unsettle investors, fueling doubts over fair oversight. This uncertainty might trigger market volatility and caution as regulatory signals become less clear.

What measures could help mitigate excessive crypto influence in elections?

A3: Stricter disclosure rules and enhanced oversight can curb excessive crypto influence in elections. Clearer regulations would promote transparency, leveling the playing field for political participation.

Source: https://cryptonews.com/news/crypto-firms-134m-us-elections-2024/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j

March 12th, 2025

Crypto Meme Magic: The Intersection of Meme IP and Investment Opportunities

Crypto Meme Magic: The Intersection of Meme IP and Investment Opportunities

The MemeX Festival, held on February 18, 2025, during Consensus HK 2025, brought together blockchain enthusiasts, investors, and meme lovers to explore the fascinating intersection of meme intellectual property (IP) and investment opportunities. Hosted by MemeCore, a leading EVM-based Layer 1 blockchain, the event aimed to bridge Web2 and Web3 projects, enhance brand visibility, and solidify MemeCore’s position as a hub for meme-related initiatives. With over 2,000 registrations, the festival was a landmark event for the blockchain and meme communities.

One of the highlights of the festival was the panel discussion titled “Crypto Meme Magic: The Intersection of Meme IP and Investment Opportunities.” Moderated by Anndy Lian, Managing Director of MemeCore and a best-selling author, the panel featured industry leaders who shared their insights on the role of memes in the blockchain ecosystem. The panelists included Thomas Kay (Head of International Business, WEEX Global), Christian Oertel (Global Expansion Lead, Conflux Network), Larry Lundy (Chief Business Officer, Hashpower X), and Tasso Lago (Founder, Financial Move).

The Power of Memes in Crypto

Anndy Lian opened the discussion by emphasizing the unique role memes play in the crypto space. “I’m quite a meme advocate,” he said. “Not because I love the graphics, but because I love the community behind it.” This sentiment set the tone for the panel, highlighting how memes are more than just humorous images—they are powerful abilities for community building and engagement.

Thomas Kay, representing WEEX Global, echoed this view, stating, “Meme is the main retention ability in the crypto space right now. It’s one of the easiest ways for new users from Web2 to enter Web3.” He pointed out that memes are not just about entertainment; they are a gateway for onboarding new users into the blockchain ecosystem. “It’s inevitable that memes will continue to be one of the biggest drivers in the future,” he added.

Christian Oertel of Conflux Network admitted that he was initially skeptical about memes. “A couple of years back, I didn’t believe in memes,” he said. “We were working on Layer 1 blockchain scalability, changing the world, and then someone launched a meme with no fundamentals.” However, his perspective shifted as he realized the potential of memes to attract retail users and foster community engagement. “Memes are the best entry point into the Web3 world,” he concluded.

Memes as Cultural and Economic Drivers

Larry Lundy, Chief Business Officer at Hashpower X, took a broader view, describing memes as cultural integrators and economic enablers. “Memes are the highway,” he said. “They lower the barrier of entry by providing a safe and fun environment.” He highlighted the historical significance of meme tokens like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, which have not only driven liquidity in the crypto market but also created a cultural phenomenon. “Without meme tokens, we wouldn’t have the large influx of liquidity in Web3 and DeFi,” he explained.

Lundy also emphasized the emotional connection that memes create. “The driving motivation for investment in memes is emotional,” he said. “People invest because they like it, and that emotional attachment creates a strong community.” He likened memes to collectible items like baseball cards and comic books, where value is determined by community perception.

Tasso Lago, a prominent crypto influencer and angel investor from Brazil, shared a similar perspective. “At first, I didn’t like memes because there was no utility,” he admitted. “But now I see that memes can build communities and evolve into businesses.” He cited Shiba Inu as an example of a meme token that has successfully built an ecosystem and engaged with new projects and features. “Memes drive users,” he said. “They are the pillar of growth in crypto.”

The Role of IP in Meme Coins

The discussion also touched on the potential of meme IP to create lasting value. Anndy Lian noted that meme IP is becoming increasingly attractive as a business model. “When you talk about IP, it’s very generic right now,” he said. “But if you look at the great grandfather of meme coins, it would be Dogecoin.” He suggested that meme IP could be a powerful ability for branding and community building.

Christian Oertel highlighted the challenges and opportunities of integrating meme IP into blockchain networks. “From Conflux’s perspective, we’re working with IPs like McDonald’s in China, but the restriction is that you can only do NFTs,” he explained. Despite these limitations, he expressed optimism about the future of meme IP, citing examples like Pudgy Penguins and Doodles, which have successfully created IP through NFTs and token drops.

Thomas Kay added that meme IP is a significant driver of user engagement. “The beauty of IP is that it’s so recognizable,” he said. “It’s easy for people to look at one of your projects and immediately know it’s you.” He shared data from WEEX Global, showing that Trump Coin, a meme token, had a massive impact on user activity. “On the day Trump Coin launched, user activity tripled, and trading volume increased tenfold,” he revealed.

Investment Strategies in Meme Coins

When it comes to investing in meme coins, the panelists shared diverse strategies. Tasso Lago emphasized the importance of community and ecosystem development. “When I look at a meme to invest in, I first look at the charts,” he said. “Then I try to understand if the meme is building an ecosystem.” He praised Shiba Inu for its efforts to engage with new projects and features, calling it a good example of a meme token with long-term potential.

Larry Lundy highlighted the versatility of meme tokens like Dogecoin, which is built on Litecoin’s infrastructure and operates as a minable commodity. “Doge is one of the original proof-of-work minables,” he said. “It provides a victimless environment for liquidity entry and exit.” He also pointed out that the emotional appeal of memes makes them a unique investment opportunity. “Memes are culture, and memes are business,” he concluded.

The Future of Memes in Web3

As the panel discussion drew to a close, the speakers reflected on the future of memes in the Web3 space. Christian Oertel described memes as a social phenomenon that brings people together. “You get the full cycle of emotions and share it with thousands of people you don’t know,” he said. “There’s something mystical about it.”

Thomas Kay emphasized the role of memes as community drivers. “In the whole crypto space right now, the most activity happens in the meme community,” he said. “It’s one of the main drivers for growth and engagement.”

Anndy Lian concluded the session by reiterating the importance of memes in the blockchain ecosystem. “Meme is one of the main pillars in the Web3 space,” he said. “It’s a good door opener and the biggest community driver.”

Final Thoughts

The Crypto Meme Magic panel at the MemeX Festival showcased the transformative power of memes in the blockchain ecosystem. From onboarding new users to driving liquidity and fostering community engagement, memes have become a cornerstone of the Web3 space. As the panelists highlighted, the future of memes lies in their ability to evolve into ecosystems, create lasting IP, and bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3. With their unique blend of humor, culture, and investment potential, memes are poised to remain a driving force in the crypto world.

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j