Terraform Labs Founder Do Kwon Will be Extradited to the United States

Terraform Labs Founder Do Kwon Will be Extradited to the United States

According to local reports, Montenegro’s Minister of Justice has signed an order to extradite Terraform Labs founder Do Kwon to the United States, rejecting South Korea’s request for extradition. South Korean authorities accuse Kwon of misleading investors and concealing assets.

This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling in Montenegro, which confirmed that legal requirements for extradition had been satisfied.

Do Kwon To Face Trial in the US

Earlier this week, BeInCrypto reported that a US extradition was likely after Montenegro’s court dismissed Do Kwon’s appeal against extradition, citing legal flaws in his case.

While the extradition date isn’t final yet, Kwon will likely face a trial similar to Sam Bankman-Fried. The FTX founder is currently serving a 25-year sentence, and he was also extradited from the Bahamas. However, his extradition was far less complicated than Kwon’s.

“Taking into account the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Ministry of Justice reviewed all facts and circumstances and assessed criteria such as the severity of the criminal offenses, the location of their commission, the nationality of the requested individual, as well as other circumstances. Based on this, it was concluded that the majority of the criteria stipulated by law favor the request for extradition by the competent authorities of the United States,” stated the Ministry of Justice in its announcement.

The Terraform Labs founder is under investigation in both the US and South Korea for his role in a major cryptocurrency collapse in May 2022.

At that time, the crash of TerraUSD and Luna erased $40 billion from the crypto market. It triggered a widespread financial fallout, leading to the bankruptcy of several companies in the sector.

Furthermore, authorities allege that Kwon deceived investors and suspect he concealed significant assets. In March 2023, Kwon and his business partner, Han Chong Jun, were arrested at Podgorica Airport in Montenegro while attempting to board a flight to Dubai using fake passports.

Kwon was sentenced to four months in prison in Montenegro. However, he is currently detained at the Spuž Centre for Reception of Foreigners.

“Extraditing him to the US could have major implications for how international crypto fraud cases are handled. It’s interesting to see how justice systems across borders interact in these high-profile cases,” author Anndy Lian wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Historic Settlement with the SEC

In June 2024, Terraform Labs reached a historic settlement with the SEC, agreeing to pay $4.47 billion in penalties. The settlement included $3.6 billion in disgorgement fines, a $420 million civil penalty, and $467 million in pre-judgment interest.

Also, Kwon was personally ordered to pay over $200 million, including $110 million in disgorgement, $80 million in civil penalties, and $14.3 million in interest.

Controversy has also emerged surrounding Kwon’s alleged political connections in Montenegro. Reports suggest he may have financial ties to local political figures, including Milojko Spajic, leader of the Europe Now party.

Overall, these connections raised concerns about potential interference in the extradition process. In 2023, Montenegro’s prime minister called for an investigation into these claims, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

 

Source: https://beincrypto.com/do-kwon-extradition-us-montenegro/

 

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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Ethereum Price Prediction 2025–2030: Will ETH Reach $5,000?

Ethereum Price Prediction 2025–2030: Will ETH Reach $5,000?

Ethereum has shown strong performance lately, with its price currently at $3,308.34, marking a +50.03% increase year-to-date (YTD).

This growth is attributed to the overall bullish crypto sentiment, with Bitcoin (BTC) testing new all-time highs, the increased popularity of Ethereum spot ETFs, and Pectra and Dencun upgrades improving Ethereum’s scalability and efficiency.

So, what is the Ethereum price prediction for 2025 and beyond? Analysts expect the ETH price to fluctuate between $3,300–$5,050 in 2025, driven by continued technological advancements and growing institutional adoption.

This Ethereum price forecast provides a detailed ETH price analysis, experts’ outlook, and future projections.

Ethereum Price Prediction Overview

 

Year Price Targets Key Factors
2025 $3,300–$5,050
  • Continued technological advancements
  • Increased institutional adoption
2026 $4,350–$9,900
  • Growing DeFi and NFT ecosystems
  • Enhanced market sentiment
2030 $9,850–$79,600
  • Widespread blockchain adoption
  • Macroeconomic trends and Ethereum’s dominance in Web3

Ethereum Price Analysis

 

Recent Events Affecting ETH Price

In 2024, Ethereum has seen key developments that significantly impacted its ecosystem and its role in institutional finance. A major highlight was the approval of the first spot Ethereum ETFs by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in May, with trading starting in July.

These spot ETFs directly track Ethereum’s price, offering investors a simpler way to gain exposure to the asset, which is expected to attract significant institutional inflows​. The best Ethereum ETFs include the Fidelity Ethereum Fund (FETH) and the Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW).

Moreover, the Dencun upgrade was set to enhance scalability and lower transaction costs on the Ethereum network. This upgrade, particularly through Proto-Danksharding (EIP-4844), reduced gas fees for Layer 2 rollups, making Ethereum more efficient and competitive.

Current State of Ethereum

Ethereum experienced a wild ride in 2024, fluctuating from a low of $2,113.93 on January 3, 2024, to a high of $4,093.17 on December 6, 2024. Although it’s lost 9% from its latest peak price, currently at $3,308.34, the short-term Ethereum outlook remains positive.

Ethereum technical analysis from CoinCodex showed a bullish sentiment for ETH price, as of December 10, 2024.

The important support levels to watch were $3,551.26 and $3,387.16, with the strongest level at $3,162.40. Resistance was expected at $3,940.12, $4,164.88, and $ 3,286.07.

Technical indicators suggested that ETH’s 200-day SMA could rise in the next month and reach $2,966.88 by January 09, 2025. Ethereum’s short-term 50-day SMA was expected to hit $3,757.45 simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which signals whether a cryptocurrency is overbought (above 70) or oversold (below 30), was at 58.81 at the time of writing, which indicated that Ethereum was in a neutral position.

According to CoinCodex’s short-term Ethereum price projection, the price of Ether could grow by 14.57% and hit $4,280.21 by the beginning of January 2025.

When looking at price performance over the past five-year period, Ether has outperformed its competition.

However, Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX-C), and Bitcoin (BTC) have led over the past three-year, one-year, and year-to-date periods.

According to the Fidelity Digital Assets Research via Coin Metrics, as of November 11, 2024:

“It is possible that Ether may have just been overextended and needed a repricing relative to its competitors, but it could also be showing a shift in overall market preference.”

Ethereum Price Forecast for the Next 30 Days

With Bitcoin being at the center of attention recently with its new all-time high, Ethereum crypto is also aiming to beat its price record set in November 10, 2021.

The following Ethereum price predictions are based on our proprietary estimation technology. Our analysts use mathematical and statistical methods of prediction based on the existing historical data. The ETH forecasts and estimated price targets are updated every day.

Date Potential Low Average Price Potential High
December 21, 2024 $3,309.13 $3,309.86 $3,313.86
December 22, 2024 $3,309.92 $3,311.38 $3,319.40
December 23, 2024 $3,310.70 $3,312.88 $3,324.89
December 24, 2024 $3,311.48 $3,314.40 $3,330.42
December 25, 2024 $3,312.29 $3,315.94 $3,336.05
December 26, 2024 $3,313.05 $3,317.41 $3,341.43
December 27, 2024 $3,313.82 $3,318.90 $3,346.86
December 28, 2024 $3,314.62 $3,320.45 $3,352.50
December 29, 2024 $3,315.40 $3,321.95 $3,357.97
December 30, 2024 $3,316.19 $3,323.46 $3,363.48
December 31, 2024 $3,316.96 $3,324.95 $3,368.94
January 1, 2025 $3,317.80 $3,326.57 $3,374.84
January 2, 2025 $3,318.49 $3,327.89 $3,379.67
January 3, 2025 $3,319.37 $3,329.59 $3,385.85
January 4, 2025 $3,320.13 $3,331.06 $3,391.22
January 5, 2025 $3,320.94 $3,332.62 $3,396.92
January 6, 2025 $3,321.61 $3,333.91 $3,401.61
January 7, 2025 $3,322.45 $3,335.52 $3,407.50
January 8, 2025 $3,323.31 $3,337.17 $3,413.53
January 9, 2025 $3,324.11 $3,338.72 $3,419.17
January 10, 2025 $3,324.73 $3,339.92 $3,423.56
January 11, 2025 $3,325.58 $3,341.56 $3,429.53
January 12, 2025 $3,326.38 $3,343.10 $3,435.16
January 13, 2025 $3,327.07 $3,344.43 $3,440.02
January 14, 2025 $3,327.87 $3,345.97 $3,445.64
January 15, 2025 $3,328.68 $3,347.52 $3,451.28
January 16, 2025 $3,329.61 $3,349.31 $3,457.81
January 17, 2025 $3,330.31 $3,350.66 $3,462.73
January 18, 2025 $3,331.04 $3,352.08 $3,467.93
January 19, 2025 $3,331.90 $3,353.73 $3,473.93

ETH Price Prediction for 2025

  • Price outlook: Expected range for 2025 is $2,900 (low) to $5,050 (high), with an average of $3,300.
  • Potential upside: ETH could surpass $5,000 if institutional investments grow and regulatory clarity improves.
  • Driving factors: Network upgrades, DeFi and layer-2 growth, broader blockchain adoption, and market volatility due to global economic and geopolitical conditions​

In 2025, Ethereum’s price will be influenced by several factors, including network upgrades and macroeconomic conditions.

Technically, ETH may experience resistance near $3,700 as it continues to test critical support levels around $2,700.

The broader crypto market’s trajectory and potential adoption of blockchain technology by major institutions will also drive demand. Global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions could increase volatility across crypto markets.

Still, Ethereum’s growing role in DeFi and layer-2 solutions might push ETH toward a more bullish trend. If institutional investments increase and crypto regulations become clearer, Ethereum could reach $5,000 in 2025, surpassing its 2021 all-time high of $4,800, according to our estimates.

However, our Ethereum price prediction for 2025 forecasts a low of $3,300, a high of $5,050, and an average price of $4,175.

Meanwhile, a panel of experts at Finder.com, a renowned comparison website, offers an ETH price prediction that sees the world’s #2 cryptocurrency hit $6,105 by 2025.

Although Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, doesn’t give exact ETH price targets, he maintained a bullish outlook on Ethereum even during its latest dip in price.

“Ethereum has the most active developers, the most active users, and a market cap that is 5x bigger than its closest competitor. It’s the only programmable blockchain that has a modicum of regulatory support in the U.S., with a booming regulated futures market and a multi-billion-dollar ETF market.”

“It’s like the Microsoft of blockchains,” Hougan added.

Speaking of Ethereum price forecast for 2025, Sparsh Jhamb, Plena Finance CEO, suggested looking back at the last bull run. He told Cryptonews:

“When Bitcoin hit its all-time high of $69,000, its market cap was about $1.3 trillion. Ethereum, as usual, wasn’t far behind and had a market cap of $575 billion, which was 44% of Bitcoin’s market cap at the time.”

“Now, if Bitcoin reaches $250,000 in the next bull run, its market cap would shoot up to around $4.9 trillion (based on the circulating supply of about 19.66 million BTC). If Ethereum holds even 35% of Bitcoin’s market cap—a bit less than last time—it would still have a market cap of about $1.72 trillion. With an estimated 120 million ETH in circulation by 2025, that would put Ethereum’s price around $14,335. This is a bit lower than the 44% dominance we saw in the last cycle, but it’s still massive growth.”

Anndy Lian, an Intergovernmental Blockchain Expert, told Cryptonews:

“By 2025, Ethereum, with its transition to proof-of-stake and growing utility in decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs, could see prices between $5,000 and $8,000.”

Vijay Pravin Maharajan, CEO and Founder of bitsCrunch, maintains a similar price target:

“Looking ahead to 2025, $8,000 is a reasonable target, given how Ethereum has underperformed in this bull market, relative to Bitcoin. However, Ethereum’s price trajectory will hinge on the success of addressing the network’s longstanding fragmentation issue, which has been exacerbated by the conveyor belt of Layer 2 solutions coming to market.”

According to a recent Gemini Institutional Insights report, a new Ethereum Layer 2 solution is launched approximately every 19 days, raising concerns about liquidity fragmentation and the dispersal of tradable assets across multiple platforms. Maharajan explained:

“While L2 rollups have been essential for Ethereum’s development, many of these rely on centralized sequencers, which result in liquidity silos and restrict value capture on Ethereum’s main network.”

ETH Price Prediction for 2026

  • Price outlook: Expected range for 2026 is $4,350 (low) to $9,900 (high), with consolidation around $7,125.
  • Potential upside: Broader adoption in DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 could drive substantial growth.
  • Driving factors: Blockchain integration into global finance, sectoral adoption, geopolitical developments, regulatory clarity, and macroeconomic stability.

By 2026, Ethereum could see significant growth as blockchain technology becomes more integrated into global finance and decentralized applications (dApps). The adoption of Ethereum in sectors like DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 will likely fuel demand.

Rob Viglione, Co-Founder of Horizen Labs told Cryptonews:

“Despite Ethereum’s dominance trending downward since summer 2024, the asset will likely show incredible buoyancy in 2025. With Ethereum’s unmatched ecosystem controlling over half of DeFi’s total value locked and its expanding layer-2 networks, the foundation remains strong.”“The potential approval of staking in ETH ETFs, increased institutional adoption under a crypto-friendly SEC in 2025, and growing tokenization efforts from major players like BlackRock could provide significant tailwinds. Combined with Ethereum’s technical maturity and network effects, these factors suggest strong upside potential despite recent underperformance.”

Geopolitical factors and regulatory clarity in key regions, such as the US and Europe, will also play pivotal roles in determining price action. If macroeconomic conditions, such as inflation and interest rates, stabilize, Ethereum may experience a steady upward trend.

However, economic instability or geopolitical tensions could lead to increased volatility across crypto markets.

​Based on current technical indicators, in 2026, Ethereum is likely to consolidate around $7,125, with strong support near $4,350, while facing resistance around $9,900.

Meanwhile, Geoff Kendrick, analyst and Head of Crypto Research at the Standard Chartered Bank, predicted that Ethereum could hit $8,000 by 2026.

He labeled this as only a “stepping stone” on the way to a larger valuation of $26,000–$25,000, with no timeframe given for this larger valuation.

bitsCrunch’s Maharajan believes that by 2026, Ethereum’s position as the backbone of Web3 could push its price even higher, “potentially in the range of $15,000, as Layer 2 solutions further mature and institutional interest in Ethereum ETFs strengthens.”

Lian echoes this forecast, suggesting that “Ethereum may benefit from Layer 2 scaling solutions, potentially reaching $8,000–$15,000.”

However, Plena Finance’s Sparsh Jhamb is less optimistic. He said:

“By 2026, we’ll probably be entering the next bear market—something that usually happens after a big bull run. But this time, things might not be as dramatic. With institutions and even governments starting to adopt Bitcoin and Ethereum, we could see a more stable market compared to previous cycles.”

ETH Price Prediction for 2030

  • Price outlook: Expected range for 2030 is $9,850 (low) to $79,600 (high), with an average price around $12,000.
  • Potential upside: Ethereum could achieve new highs driven by mainstream blockchain adoption, scalability improvements, and institutional participation.
  • Driving factors: DeFi and enterprise adoption, post-halving market dynamics, enhanced scalability, regulatory clarity, market volatility, and geopolitical stability.

Outlining the Ethereum price prediction for 2030, we might expect ETH’s price to be significantly higher, driven by widespread adoption in DeFi and enterprise solutions. Historically, post-halving cycles have triggered bullish runs across crypto markets, and Ethereum is likely to follow this pattern.

Given its previous cycles, Ethereum could experience a similar surge in 2030, much like after the 2021 bull run. With blockchain adoption becoming mainstream by then, Ethereum’s price could average $12,000, testing resistance near $20,000.

Factors like improved scalability and institutional adoption will play crucial roles in sustaining this momentum. Broader geopolitical stability and regulatory clarity in key markets will further support Ethereum’s growth.

If these trends hold, Ethereum could see unprecedented highs, making it a central asset in the global digital economy—if not, it could face lows of $4,600.

According to VanEck’s long-term ETH price prediction:

“Ethereum may emerge as a powerhouse among digital assets, with a predicted token price of $11.8k by 2030. Ethereum’s unique approach combines a globally distributed infrastructure, smart contract capabilities, and a digital commerce model that enables trustless transactions.”

Finder’s panelists support VanEck’s bullish stance on Ethereum, expecting ETH to hit $12,059 by 2030.

Looking further into Ethereum’s future, Sparsh Jhamb said:

“If Ethereum captures about 30% of Bitcoin’s market cap, it would have a market cap of $3 trillion to $4.5 trillion. With an estimated 120 million ETH in circulation, Ethereum’s price would range from $25,000 to $37,500, reflecting its continued strength as a foundational blockchain for decentralized applications and smart contracts.”

“These projections may sound ambitious, but with Ethereum’s rapid adoption and immense potential, they’re entirely achievable.”

According to Vijay Pravin Maharajan, “Ethereum’s price could climb to $20,000 or more, but intense competition from other blockchains and periods of market volatility present omnipresent challenges.”

Anndy Lian maintains a similar view, saying that “Ethereum, as the backbone of Web3, might exceed $20,000 by 2030.”

Denis Vasin, Co-Founder of Storm Trade, told Cryptonews without giving exact price targets:

“If we look years ahead, the growth of Ethereum’s potential at the expense of L2 will be reflected in its value. As a result, we may see a steady growth due not to instant speculation, but to fundamental changes in the economics of using this platform.”

Will Ethereum’s Protocol Upgrades Affect the ETH Price?

Ethereum’s upcoming protocol upgrades, notably the Pectra upgrade, aim to enhance network efficiency and user experience.

Pectra combines the Prague and Electra upgrades, introducing features like EIP-3074, which integrates traditional wallets with smart contracts through account abstraction. This integration simplifies transactions and reduces gas fees, potentially increasing user adoption.

Historically, such enhancements have positively influenced Ethereum’s price by attracting more users and developers. For instance, the Dencun upgrade in March 2024 improved scalability, leading to a price surge.

Commenting on Pectra’s impact on Ethereum’s future, Vijay Pravin Maharajan told Cryptonews:

“The Ethereum network is gearing up for its most impactful update since The Merge with the upcoming Pectra upgrade, which could be a transformative milestone for the Ethereum ecosystem. Set for early 2025, Pectra is geared towards improving scalability and accessibility. The completion of Ethereum’s scalability upgrades will be critical to enhancing transaction throughput and reducing costs, attracting more developers and users to the ecosystem.”

However, Christine Kim, a Vice President of the Research team at Galaxy Digitaldoes not expect the Pectra upgrade to have a significant influence on Ethereum’s value. She said:

“As with any network-wide upgrade on Ethereum, there will likely be heightened volatility in ETH around the time of Pectra and the potential for negative swings in price should there be any unexpected bugs or failures related to the upgrade.”

Still, she believes that the likelihood of an unsuccessful Pectra upgrade is slim as the code changes undergo extensive battle testing before activation on the mainnet, and Ethereum protocol developers have vast experience.

“Therefore, barring temporary volatility in ETH leading up to and shortly following the upgrade, the code changes in Pectra related to fixing various parts of the protocol are not anticipated to have a prolonged positive or negative impact on ETH value.”

Ethereum History: Key Milestones

  • 2015: Ethereum launched, introducing smart contracts and dApps.
  • 2016: The DAO hack led to the Ethereum/Ethereum Classic split.
  • 2017: ICO boom propelled Ethereum’s price above $1,400.
  • 2018: Market correction followed 2017’s ICO boom, Ethereum’s price declined.
  • 2019: Ethereum focused on scalability with the Istanbul upgrade.
  • 2020: Beacon Chain launch began Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake (PoS).
  • 2021: The Merge completed Ethereum’s transition to PoS.
  • 2023: Shanghai upgrade enabled staking withdrawals, enhancing user flexibility.
  • 2024: Dencun upgrade focused on reducing transaction costs; Ethereum spot ETFs approved.

What’s Next for Ethereum?

Ethereum’s value in the coming years will be influenced by several key factors, including its dominance in dApps, the adoption of L2 scaling solutions, and macroeconomic conditions.

According to a consensus analysts’ outlook compiled in this article, Ethereum could continue its upward trend in the long term. Ethereum price projections range from around $5,000 in 2025 to exceeding $20,000 by 2030. This long-term ETH price forecast foresees an integration with Web3 ecosystems and a continued increase in on-chain activity.

Meanwhile, potential risks for the future of Ethereum include regulatory challenges, increased competition, or setbacks in scalability. How the network adapts to ever-changing market demand and developer requirements remains to be seen.

 

Source: https://cryptonews.com/price-predictions/ethereum-price-prediction/

 

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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US Elections 2024 and Crypto: How Will Trump or Harris Shape Regulations?

US Elections 2024 and Crypto: How Will Trump or Harris Shape Regulations?
  • Donald Trump wants to become the first “Bitcoin President,” while Kamala Harris promised crypto innovation.
  • A Trump victory could lead to a continuation of the deregulatory approach, but a Harris administration would likely prioritise consumer protection and financial stability.

As the United States gears up for another significant presidential election, the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency has emerged as a critical area of focus. The candidates, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, offer contrasting visions for the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. This divergence is not only shaping the political landscape but also influencing financial markets, particularly the rapidly growing cryptocurrency sector.

The Crypto Landscape Amidst Political Uncertainty

Cryptocurrency, once a niche interest, has evolved into a major financial force. Its decentralized nature and potential for high returns have attracted a wide range of investors, from tech-savvy millennials to institutional giants. However, the regulatory environment remains uncertain, with policymakers grappling with how to integrate these digital assets into the existing financial system.

In this context, the upcoming U.S. presidential election could be a turning point. The candidates’ differing approaches to cryptocurrency regulation and adoption could have profound implications for the industry. As such, the election is not just a political contest but a referendum on the future of digital finance.

Wall Street’s Bet on Trump

Wall Street’s apparent preference for a Trump victory is rooted in his administration’s historical approach to regulation and taxation. Trump’s presidency was marked by a deregulatory agenda, which many investors believe could benefit the cryptocurrency industry. Lower taxes and fewer regulations could create a more favorable environment for crypto businesses, potentially spurring innovation and growth.

This sentiment is reflected in the behavior of prediction markets, where Trump’s odds of winning have surged. Platforms like Polymarket and PredictIt have seen significant bets placed on a Trump victory, with some investors wagering millions of dollars. These markets, which allow users to bet on the outcome of events using cryptocurrency, have become a barometer of investor sentiment.

The enthusiasm for Trump among crypto investors is not surprising. During his previous term, Trump expressed skepticism about cryptocurrencies but refrained from implementing harsh regulations. His administration’s focus on economic growth and deregulation aligns with the interests of many in the crypto community, who view excessive regulation as a barrier to innovation.

Harris and the Promise of Innovation

In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris represents a more cautious approach to cryptocurrency. While she has not been as vocal about her stance on digital currencies, her campaign has emphasized the importance of innovation and technology. Harris has promised to encourage the development of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital assets while ensuring consumer protection and financial stability.

Harris’s approach reflects a broader Democratic strategy of balancing innovation with regulation. Her administration would likely prioritize consumer protection and financial stability, potentially leading to stricter regulations on cryptocurrencies. This could include measures to prevent fraud, protect investors, and ensure the stability of the financial system.

Despite these potential challenges, Harris’s focus on innovation could also benefit the crypto industry. By fostering a supportive environment for technological development, her administration could encourage the growth of blockchain technology and digital assets. This could lead to new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, even if it means navigating a more complex regulatory landscape.

The Role of Prediction Markets

The divergence between traditional polls and prediction markets highlights the unique dynamics of this election. While many polls show a close race between Trump and Harris, prediction markets have consistently favored Trump. This discrepancy can be attributed to several factors, including the influence of large investors, or “whales,” who have placed substantial bets on a Trump victory.

These markets, which operate on blockchain technology, offer a decentralized platform for betting on the outcome of events. They have gained popularity in recent years, particularly among crypto enthusiasts who appreciate their transparency and accessibility. However, their predictions should be interpreted with caution, as they reflect the views of a specific subset of investors rather than the broader electorate.

The influence of prediction markets on media coverage is also noteworthy. As these platforms have gained prominence, their odds have been cited as evidence of Trump’s growing lead. This has contributed to a narrative that may not fully align with traditional polling data, underscoring the complex relationship between media, markets, and public perception.

The Future of Cryptocurrency Regulation

The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the United States. A Trump victory could lead to a continuation of the deregulatory approach that characterized his previous administration. This could create a more favorable environment for crypto businesses, potentially attracting investment and fostering innovation.

On the other hand, a Harris administration would likely prioritize consumer protection and financial stability, potentially leading to stricter regulations. While this could pose challenges for the industry, it could also provide a more stable and secure environment for investors, ultimately benefiting the market’s long-term growth.

Regardless of the outcome, the election will serve as a critical juncture for the cryptocurrency industry. As digital currencies continue to gain traction, policymakers will need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring the stability and security of the financial system. This will require collaboration between regulators, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to develop a regulatory framework that supports the growth of digital finance while protecting consumers and maintaining financial stability.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Crypto

The U.S. presidential election is a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency industry. The candidates’ differing approaches to regulation and innovation will shape the future of digital finance, influencing everything from market dynamics to investor sentiment. As such, the election is not just a political contest but a referendum on the future of cryptocurrency.

For investors and industry leaders, the stakes are high. A Trump victory could lead to a continuation of the deregulatory approach that has benefited the industry, while a Harris administration could introduce new challenges and opportunities. Regardless of the outcome, the election will serve as a critical juncture for the cryptocurrency industry, shaping its trajectory for years to come.

As the election approaches, the crypto community will be watching closely, eager to see how the outcome will impact the future of digital finance. Whether through deregulation or innovation, the next administration will play a crucial role in shaping the future of cryptocurrency, influencing everything from market dynamics to investor sentiment. In this context, the election is not just a political contest but a referendum on the future of digital finance.

 

Source: https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/us-elections-2024-how-will-trump-or-harris-administration-shape-crypto-regulations/

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